Piseth

Area:

181,035 sq. km

Population:

13.9 million (2007 est.)

Population growth rate

1.729% (2007 est.)

Government:

Liberal democracy under constitutional monarchy

Provinces:

21

Language:

Khmer

Other Tongues:

French, Chinese, Vietnamese, rapidly growing use of English

Currency:

Riel

Borders:

-E - north and western borders- mountains.

-SE- Flat country.

-SW - coastline of about 240 kms. along the Gulf of Siam.

Neighboring Countries:

Thailand –N and W

Laos – NE

Vietnam - E

Principal Religion:

Buddhism (Muslim and animist)

Ethnic Background:

Cambodian (Khmer)-80%

Vietnamese-12%

Chinese - 5%

Tribal groups - 2%

Rivers and Lakes:

The Mekong River runs from the Laos border in the north to the Vietnam border in the south. Tonle Sap runs from the Mekong in central Phnom Penh north to the lake claimed to be the largest fresh water fish breeding and production area in the world. Tonle Bassak also runs from the Mekong also in central Phnom Penh to the southern border with Vietnam.

Mountains:

Elephant and Cardamom mountains - southwest

Dangkrek Mountains - northern border with Thailand Eastern Highlands - northeast corner

Former Colonial Status:

French protectorate (1863 - 1949); Associated State within the French Union (1949 - 1955)

Independence Date:

25^th September 1955.

National Flag:

A center of red with an ancient temple of Angkor Wat motif, and dark blue bands across the top and bottom.