Joanna James
Although the ancient Khmer civilization and the Angkor complex that has been preserved are fascinating, there are many other interesting aspects of Cambodia to discuss. Here are a few fascinating truths about Cambodia that will help you appreciate the country for all its glory.
The number of times Cambodia changed its name is sometimes highlighted as an intriguing detail about the country. Cambodia has undergone through five name changes since 1953, when it was first recognised as a kingdom, but is now back to its original name.
The nation's name has evolved along with its political structure. The Khmer Republic and the People's Republic of Kampuchea are two more titles that have taken the spotlight. Definitely some good information here. In any case, the name has settled in since 1993 and is not likely to undergo any further changes very soon.
The mean lifespan of Cambodia's population is a soberingly intriguing statistic. About half of Cambodia's population is under 15 years old. Over half of the population is under the age of thirty. People in this country tend to be young at heart and have minimal signs of ageing.
The Khmer Rouge's systematic elimination of the country's elderly population is largely to blame for the country's current lack of wisdom. Between two and three million people out of a total population of eight million were killed in just four years. The Killing Fields, the location of several crimes, are deserving of a trip from any interested party.
Over 1,626,000 square metres (nearly 400 acres) in size, the Angkor Wat complex is the biggest religious building in the world. More than twice as vast as the next largest religious complex, the Hindu temple of Sri Ranganathasvamy in India, Angkor Wat is still the largest religious complex in the world.
If you're like the rest of us, you get pretty pumped up about your birthday, begin planning how you'll spend it a month in advance, and perhaps treat yourself to a gift on an actual day, yet birthdays inside this Kingdom are hardly a cause for celebration.
Birthdays are forgotten by both the young and the old. Their importance has been drastically reduced, which is hard to explain to your four-year-old child as they lie in bed awake the night before their big day. It's so unremarkable that some people don't even associate the word "birthday" with their own identity; they just recall and recognise the season in which they were born.
The Asian giant softshell turtle, also called Cantor's giant softshell turtle or the "frog-faced" turtle, is making a comeback in sections of the Mekong River after having been assumed to be extinct in Cambodia. Irrawaddy dolphins, which resemble miniature beluga whales, are also critically endangered and can be found in the Mekong. If you are staying in one of the best hotels in Siem Reap such as the FCC Angkor by Avani, be sure to inquire whether an itinerary can be developed to help you explore the wonders of the natural world in Cambodia during your stay.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
