Culture

Cambodia's storied past includes a period of almost a century as a French colony. The French influence can be seen alongside the Siamese and Laos influences permeating the country today.

Cambodia's greatest period however was during the heyday of the Angkor, when it was one of the most commanding and wealthiest nations in the Southeast Asia region. Many landmarks from the period still exists today, namely the Bayon and the Angkor Wat temples that serve as a reminder of the majesty of Khmer culture. Cambodia's achievements in arts and architecture in this period have also influenced many of its neighbours. The culture that exists today not only includes Khmer as the sole native influence but also includes the 20 distinct hill tribes of the country known as the Khmer Loeu.

Throughout the country's history, religion has been a major influence in culture. For almost two millennia, the country developed a unique Khmer belief that stemmed from indigenous animistic beliefs that also had mixtures of Buddhism and Hinduism.

The majority of Cambodians today are of Khmer heritage with Khmer being the national language of Cambodia. Other languages spoken include French, Chinese, Vietnamese and English due to the influx of foreign cultures into the country since centuries past.

The most popular national festival today is the Boat Racing Festival, or as the locals call it, Bonn Om Teuk. The festival is held at the end of the rainy season and is attended by a large number of Cambodians each year to play games, watch fireworks, show their gratitude to the moon and watch the boat race. The Cambodian New Year is also another popular festival, observed by a majority of Cambodians in April every year.