The kingdom of Cambodia is located in the south of Indochina peninsula and in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Laos, Thailand, Indochina, Myanmar and Vietnam. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests in the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.
Cambodia’s two dominant topographical features are the Mekong River system is almost 5km wide in places, and the Tonlé Sap lake. The Mekong River, which rises in Tibet, flows about 486km through Cambodia before continuing, via southern Vietnam, to the South China Sea. At Phnom Penh, it splits into the Upper River (Tonle Mekong Leu) and the Lower River (The Bassac River or Tonle Mekong Krom). Tonlé Sap Lake is linked to the Mekong at Phnom Penh by a 100km-long channel knon as the Tonlé Sap river. From mi-May to early October (the Rainy Season) the level of the Mekong rised, backing up the Tonlé Sap river and causing it to flow north-west into the Tonlé Sap lake. During the dry season, the Tonlé Sap river reversed its flow, draining the waters of the lake back into the Mekong. This extraordinary process makes the Tonlé Sap lake one of the world’s richest sources of freshwater fish. It is estimated that the lake provides alivelihood for about 40% of the Cambodian population and its fish provide almost 60% of the country try’s fish protein intake.
The country consists of 24 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub districts and villages. Phnom Penh is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Cambodia’s revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions. Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Norodom Shihanouk, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning khmer monarch. Cambodia clinch a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.