 Cambodian religions are strongly influenced by early Indian and Chinese cultures. As early as the beginning of the Christian era, most Funan people were followers of Brahmanism (a forerunner of Hinduism), which merged with the existing animistic beliefs into a new religion - Hinduism and local deities existing side by side.
Today almost 90 percent of the population is Theravada Buddhist and the faith has had a formative influence on everyday life. Theravada Buddhism entered the country in the 13th century and began to spread through the whole country under King Jayavarman VII. It was reintroduced as the national religion in 1989.
At some point during their lives many Cambodian males spend time in a Buddhist monastery, and almost every village has a Buddhist temple - or wat - around which village life centers. Buddhist rituals follow the lunar calendar and there are several significant religious holidays and festivals that are widely observed. Cambodian Buddhism appears an easygoing faith and tolerates the ancestor and territorial spirit worship that is widely practiced.
People : Cambodia has a total of approximately 12 million people, 1.7 million of whom live in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Cambodians comprise a variety of people who are commonly called Khmer. They constitute about 90 percent of the population. The population also includes a diversity of other ethnic backgrounds: Chinese, Viet-namese, Chams, and hilltribes, called Khmer Loeu.
The Khmer are believed to have lived in the region from about the 2nd century AD. They constitute a fusion of Mongol and Melanesian elements and have been mainly influenced over the centuries by the powerful Indian and Javanese kingdoms. The Khmer-Loeu - or upland Khmer - are one of the main tribal groups and live in the forested mountain zones, mainly in the north-east.
Traditionally the Khmer-Loeu were semi-nomadic and practiced slash and burn agriculture. In recent years increasing numbers have turned to settled agriculture and adopted many of the customs of the lowland Khmer.
Cultures of Cambodia
 The usual Asian rules of conduct apply. It is unseemly to show too much emotion. Losing your temper over problems and delays gets you nowhere; it is better to stay calm at all times.
You should always take your shoes off when entering a temple or when visiting private houses, and you should wear appropriate clothing. For men and women it is advisable to cover your shoulders and wear knee-long skirts or trousers. Wearing bathing suits or trunks should be limited to the beach or hotel pool.
The head is regarded as a particularly holy part of the body. You should never touch anybody's head intentionally, and offer an excuse if you do so by chance. Accordingly, the feet are literally the lowest part of the body - do not point your feet at anybody. Sensitivity to politically related subjects in conversation is advisable.
As always, it is polite to ask permission before taking photographs of Cambodians, particularly monks.
Although there is not a strong tradition of tipping in
Cambodia, tips will be accepted and are very appreciated by tour guides, porters and wait staff at hotels and restaurants. |
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