Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with a coastline on the Gulf of Thailand. It is best known for Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of Khmer civilization. The Mekong River flows through the country, supporting rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people.
- Capital
- Phnom Penh
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- South-Eastern Asia
- Area
- 181,035 km²
- Coordinates
- 13° N, 105° E
Country facts
- The Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th century, was one of the most powerful civilizations in Southeast Asia.
- Cambodia's national flag is the only country flag in the world to feature a building — the temple of Angkor Wat.
- The Tonle Sap is a unique lake that reverses the direction of its river flow depending on the season.
- Khmer is the official language and uses its own ancient script, which descends from an Indian writing system.
- The giant ibis, one of the world's rarest birds, can be found in Cambodia's northern forests.
Capital facts
- Phnom Penh sits at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers, a location historically known as the 'Four Faces of the River.'
- The Royal Palace, built in the 1860s, is a striking complex of traditional Khmer architecture and remains home to the Cambodian royal family.
- The city served as the capital of the Khmer Empire after the decline of Angkor in the 15th century.
- The Central Market, built in 1937 under French colonial rule, is one of the largest art deco buildings in Asia.
- Phnom Penh's name means 'Hill of Penh,' referring to a legend about a woman named Penh who found sacred Buddha statues on a riverbank.