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Discovering Cambodia: Unveiling the Top 10 Fascinating Facts

Cambodia is one of the countries with an interesting history. The country has changed names several times, the name used to change when a new government resumed power. Another interesting fact that will surprise you about this country is that people never bother about their birthdays at all.

In this article, we have showcased 10 fascinating facts about Cambodia, the country has amazing facts I promise you will love them and want to know more. Join me as we learn and discover Cambodia’s history, culture, etc.

1. Angkor Wat, The Largest Religion Building in World is Located in Cambodia

Photo: Marcin Konsek / 

Angkor Wat is located in Cambodia. It is said to be the largest religious building in the world, it sits on land measuring 162.6 hectares (402). Initially, the temple was built as Hindu Temple and later transformed into a Buddhist temple. It is also referred to ‘Hindu -Buddhist’ temple.

The temple acts as a tourist destination point and is worth visiting. The temple has an amazing structure that looks even better during sunrise and sunset.

2. Cambodia’s Flag is Among the Few  in the world with a Building on it

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The flag of Cambodia is unique for having a building on it. It is among the few flags that have buildings on it worldwide.

The Angkor Wat a religious building is the one drawn in Cambodia’s flag. This building is a landmark and the pride of the country. According to Guinness World Records, the building is said to be the largest religious building in the world.

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3. Cambodians Never Care About Their Birthdays

In many countries, people celebrate their birthdays and is always one of the biggest events. One invites friends and family to have fun together on a great day. Most people start planning months before how they will spend and celebrate the big day.

However, in Cambodia, this is completely different. People never care about their birthdays and is a less important event. Rarely anyone celebrates them, and even many older people may not know their birth date, maybe the season they were born.

4. The Country Has Gone Through Name Changes Five Times

The country of Cambodia is one of the countries that have undergone several name changes. From 1953 to 1970 the country was known as the Kingdom of Cambodia. The name was changed to the Khmer Republic from 1970 to 1975.

From 1975 up to 1979, the name was changed to Democratic Kampuchea under the political rule of communist rule. When the UN Transition Authority came to power, the country’s name was changed to the State of Cambodia from 1979 -1993. The country finally decided to rename the country the Kingdom of Cambodia in 1993 after the restoration of the monarchy.

5. Cambodians Love to Eat Insects

Photo by shankar s.

This is one of the interesting facts about Cambodia and shocking as well. The people of Cambodia love eating insects such as crickets, tarantulas, and ants among others. It can be surprising to tourists visiting the country for the first time, to see insects being sold on the street.

Apart from insects, they as well have other foods such as vegetables, and rice, no need to worry when you visit the country. However, is good to discover all the Cambodian traditional food they can offer.

One of the Cambodian top delicacies is known as Num Banh Chok. The dish is made up of noodles, fish, vegetables, and soup. The dish is worth tasting and its price is pocket friendly.

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6. The head is Considered Sacred in Cambodia

In Cambodia, some body parts are termed to be sacred while others are considered dirty. The culture of Cambodia will surprise us with these fascinating facts. However, these cultures believe is worth knowing, especially to tourists, to avoid doing ill-mannered behaviors.

The head is considered sacred, and nobody is allowed to pat anybody’s head, while the hand, foot, and sole are termed dirty parts.

7. A Wedding Ceremony is celebrated for 3 Days in Cambodia

, , via Wikimedia Commons

In Cambodia, one of the embraced celebrations is wedding ceremonies. The average age for a man to marry is 25 years old, while for women is 22.

The most interesting part about Cambodian weddings is that traditional weddings can last consecutively for three days. This means people hold celebrate for three days and three nights non-stop. If you are non-local attending the wedding, you might get bored, but locals, they will wish for more nights instead.

8. Species of Animal Found in Cambodia Can’t be Found Elsewhere

It is fascinating to know that Cambodia is home to unique animal species. Animals found in Cambodia are rare to be found in any other country.

These rare species include Irrawaddy Dolphin, Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle, and some unique fauna and flora.

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9. Apart From Riel, Cambodia Uses US Dollar as One of its National Currencies

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It is fascinating and surprising how another country can embrace another country’s currency as its own. It is good to note Cambodia has its currency known as Riel, which is used to date.

However, the Riel has a low value and continues to lower its rate; due to this, the country adopted the US dollar as a defacto currency. The surprising part is that the dollar has taken over the country, and it is 90% dollarized.

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10. No McDonald’s in Cambodia

What is a trip without McDonald’s stop? Ooop!! When you visit Cambodia, you will have to forget about McDonald’s thing since in Cambodia there is no and has never had a McDonald’s.

The sad part is that even KFC in Cambodia is running down. Cambodian is one of the countries where fast-food chains run into losses rather than profit.

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