Location and Borders:
Nestled in the southwest corner of the Indochinese peninsula, Cambodia boasts a diverse landscape across its expansive 181,035 square kilometers. It shares borders with Thailand to the west and northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
Geographic Coordinates: Cambodia is positioned at 13 00 N, 105 00 E.
Terrain and Physical Features:
Cambodia’s terrain is predominantly characterized by low plains, complemented by mountains in the southwest and north. Two striking physical features define the country – the majestic Mekong River, coursing from the northern reaches to the southern expanse, and the vast Tonlé Sap Lake.
Noteworthy Resources: The country is endowed with a rich array of natural resources, including oil and gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, and substantial hydropower potential.
Population Diversity:
With a population of approximately 15 million and counting, Cambodia is a melting pot of ethnicities. Khmer constitutes 90% of the residents, with additional communities such as Cham (Khmer Muslim), Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, Phnorng, Kuoy, Stieng, Tamil, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry. The population density stands at 78 individuals per square kilometer.
Climate Mosaic:
Embracing a climate typical of Southeast Asia, Cambodia experiences warmth and humidity throughout the year. The annual monsoon cycle dictates the weather, transitioning between the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. The coolest months are December to January, while April claims the title for the hottest period, with an average temperature hovering around 27-28ºC.
National Symbolism:
The flag of Cambodia succinctly encapsulates the nation’s ethos with its three stripes. The prominent blue stripes represent royalty, flanking a central red stripe symbolizing the nation. A white temple adorning the flag stands as a representation of Cambodia’s profound religious identity.
Floral Elegance:
The ROM duol, a petite yellowish-white flower, proudly holds the title of Cambodia’s national flower. Renowned for its enchanting fragrance, reminiscent of the late afternoon breeze, the Romduol is often likened to Cambodian women. With sturdy stems reaching up to 30cm, the Romduol plant can ascend to towering heights of 12 meters. Today, these blossoms are thoughtfully planted to enhance public parks, embodying the nation’s floral elegance.
