description Cambodia Overview
Cambodia is a country in mainland Southeast Asia with its capital at Phnom Penh and Khmer as its official language. It was the center of the Khmer Empire, and the Angkor complex near Siem Reap includes Angkor Wat, a 12th-century temple built for Hindu worship and later used by Buddhists, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mekong River and Tonlé Sap lake anchor its lowland geography. A constitutional monarchy today, Cambodia continues to address the legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime of 1975 to 1979.
help Cambodia FAQ
What is Angkor Wat and when was it built?
Angkor Wat is a vast 12th-century temple built under the Khmer king Suryavarman II, originally for Hindu worship and later used by Buddhists. Located near Siem Reap, it is widely described as the largest religious monument in the world.
What happened in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge?
The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 after taking Phnom Penh in April 1975 and forcibly evacuating the city. The regime's policies are estimated to have caused the deaths of as many as 1.5 to 2 million Cambodians.
What language and currency does Cambodia use?
The official language is Khmer. The national currency is the riel, though US dollars circulate widely alongside it in everyday transactions.
What is the capital of Cambodia?
The capital is Phnom Penh, located in the south of the country. Cambodia lies in mainland Southeast Asia and was the heart of the historic Khmer Empire centered on the Angkor region.
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