OVERVIEW

Cambodia is a country located in mainland Southeast Asia with a current-day population of over 17 million people. It borders several other Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Laos, which lie North and Northwest of Cambodia, and Vietnam to the east.

The country is known for its geographical features, which are dominated by vast plains and farming areas that make up a majority of the country’s land, as well as its rainforests and low mountains. The majority of Cambodia’s population is comprised of the Khmer people, with populations of ethnic minorities such as the Cham, and small populations of Vietnamese and Chinese people. Most Khmer people are Buddhist. The country’s main language, Khmer, is heavily influenced by Sanskrit, a language originally from India. Cambodia’s culture also traces back to India, and French colonial rule is known to influence the culture as well. Cambodia has faced heavy economic and political instability due to wars and genocides. Education and culture have especially faced setbacks due to major political conflicts. 17.8% of Cambodians in Cambodia were observed to be living under the poverty line in 2019. 15% experience significant food insecurities. There are over 1 million Cambodians living outside Cambodia as part of the Cambodian Diaspora. Today there are over 300,000 Cambodians currently living in the United States.