Heritage
The golden age of Cambodia was arguably between the 9th and 14th centuries, during the time of the Khmer Empire. At this point in history, Cambodia’s achievements in the arts, architecture and other cultural elements were unparalleled in the rest of Southeast Asia.
The impressive Angkor Wat temple, once the centre of the empire, is a lasting symbol of Cambodia’s dominance and remains a source of national pride.
Way of life
Some 80% of the population live in rural areas as subsistence farmers. Most family units have their own land, rice crop and livestock. Village houses are built from natural materials such as bamboo and palm leaves, and usually around the local wat (temple).
In the cities, the poor live much like those in the countryside but this is starkly contrasted against the rich middle classes that also inhabit Cambodia’s urban areas. Poor sanitation means infant mortality caused by intestinal diseases is high.