The Culture Series: People and Culture of Cambodia

Cambodians are often referred to as the Khmer people (pronounced K’mae). They are very loyal to Cambodia, despite a rough history characterized by pride and fear. The Khmer Rouge was a regime that led a genocide movement, lasting from 1975–79, that wiped out millions and led to political intimidation and corruption for decades to follow.

The aftermath of the Khmer Rouge has left a significant age gap in the population, with 50 percent of the nation under the age of 22, and only 4 percent of the nation over 65. As is common in many Southeast Asian countries, men are prioritized in business and sports, and the elderly are highly respected, especially since they represent so little of the population.

Two things that have heavily influenced modern-day Cambodia are Apsara Dancing and Angkor Wat. Apsaras are the female spirits of clouds and water and are skilled in dancing, literature, and the arts. The Apsara dance was historically only performed for the royal family, but with the rise of Cambodian tourism, it has been internationally recognized for its cultural importance and beauty. Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the world and a point of cultural pride for the country.

Cambodia’s youthful population is longing for change. Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch is head of state and the prime minister is the head of government. As the country continues to modernize and young people gain positions of influence, there is a disconnect between the old establishment and the next generation. The future growth of this nation depends on the resolution of this disconnect. Our teachers and their influence through education are helping raise up this next generation.