Cambodia has a rich culture that has dominated the region.
Nearly destroyed by the Khmer Rouge but back with a vengance, the Khmer culture is a deep source of pride for the people of Cambodia.
Khmer food is similar to Vietnamese and Thai but remains unique. From a "hot" perspective it sits between the chili intensive Thai and the much calmer Vietnamese. Khmer food is widely varied in flavor with all types of savoury, hot, bitter, sour and sweet fusions. Rice is king followed by noodles and then soups and curry. All types of vegatables and creatures are eaten as snacks.
Music is an important part of Khmer culture. Ceremonies such as wedding and funerals have specific songs that are always played. Khmer music was thriving during the 1970's until the Khmer Rouge killed the vast majority of artists. It has bounced back with diverse modern music loved by Cambodians to the extent they mostly ignore foreign music.
For hundreds of years Khmer folk stories, myths & legends were passed down from generation to generation by expert story tellers. Story telling still remains important in Khmer culture.
Cambodians take pride in their dress, however, shorts, t-shirts and sometimes shirtless is common during leisure. When going out, women dress conservatively sexy, preferring garments showing form rather than skin while men prefer button shirts with trousers. Traditional clothing is worn for trips to the Pagoda and during weddings and other ceremonies.
Dance and Theatre have a rich tradition in Cambodia. Apsara dance is one of many ancient dances still performed in Cambodia. Cambodian theatre includes Classical and Folk plays as well us shadow puppets and modern theatre.
Weddings and funerals are important ceremonies typically spanning days. Funerals typically last longer and are repeated on various anniversaries prescribed by the monks.
Approximately 90% of Cambodians are ethnically Khmer. The next largest ethnic group is the Cham who fled to Cambodia during the 19th century. This is followed by Vietnamese, and then a wide mixture of asians.
Approximately 90% of Cambodians are Buddhist. This is followed by nearly 5% Muslim and then every other religion. The majority of Muslims are ethnic Cham who fled to Cambodia during the 19th century.
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