Cambodia Research Paper

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The Kingdom of Cambodia, situated in the Indochinese peninsula above the Gulf of Thailand, is an ancient nation with a rich and unique history. In Khmer, its official language, the country’s name is Preăh Réachéanachâk Kâmpŭchéa, though it is usually referred to as Kâmpŭchéa. Throughout its checkered past, Cambodia has been influenced by many external forces, the most prominent of these being India, China, and France. Being a part of a peninsula known for facilitating multi-cultural diffusion has allowed the nation to develop a distinctive culture. Though Cambodia has not always thrived, it has certainly stabilized and developed much since the late 20th century. Its booming textile and tourism industries are unmistakable signs of its progress.
Geography:
Cambodia is found in the southern part of the Southeast Asian peninsula, bordering the countries of Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, as well as the Gulf of Thailand. Although most of the land in the nation is considerably flat, there are also several uplands and mountain ranges, which form natural political borders with neighboring countries. Examples include the Cardamom Mountains in the Southwest and the Dangrek Mountains in the north. In terms of climate, the region has a tropical, monsoonal climate, which gives rise to two distinct seasons: a monsoonal season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Cambodia has an annual average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and an average precipitation rate of about 70 inches per year. Its two main bodies of water are the Mekong River, and the Tonle Sap, a large lake in the country’s center. The Mekong River flows south from Laos, through Cambodia and Vietnam, into the South China Sea. All other rivers drain i...

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...ry school for 3 years at age 15. Many children discontinue after primary school, usually to help support their families.
Traditionally, in Cambodian families, the parents arrange marriages for their children, and the weddings are quite elaborate. Typically, men marry in their early twenties, while women marry in their late teens. In rural areas, usually, the husband is in charge of supporting the family, and the wife is in charge of taking care of the home, children, and the family’s budget. In urban areas, it is more common for women to work outside of the home. Social register is an important aspect of Khmer culture. For example, elders are held with very high respect and reference in Cambodian culture. They are consulted to resolve problems in villages, between families, etc. Often times, Cambodians open their households to elder relatives, such as grandparents.

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