Cambodia is one of the most ancient countries in Southeast Asia, and its history goes back thousands of years. Cambodia is a country known for its ancient temples and lakes. Its capital is Phnom Penh, a city that welcomes tourists with its thriving nightlife and colonial architecture. Are you thinking about planning a trip to Cambodia? If so, there are a few things you should know before you go. Below is a list of the top 10 things to know about Cambodia before you visit.

Number 10. The average age of the population is under 15

The average age of the Cambodian population is an extremely sobering fact, but also a very interesting one. The majority of Cambodians are younger than 15 years old! Approximately 60% of the population is under the age of thirty. Fresh faces, lively spirits, and few wrinkles are common in the country. Cambodians have very few elders today due to the decimation of their population under Khmer Rouge rule. Between 2 and 3 million people of the 8 million-strong population were murdered in just four years. Atrocities were committed in the Killing Fields, a site well worth visiting.

Number 9. No McDonald’s in Cambodia

There has never been a McDonald’s in Cambodia, making it one of the few countries without one. Furthermore, KFC is actually losing money in Cambodia. This is the only country in the world where fast-food chains don’t make a profit. As if by magic, faith in the human race is restored! Burger King, however, is present in the country, for some reason.

Number 8. There Are No Birthday Celebrations in the Majority of the Country

Even though birthday celebrations are extremely common throughout western societies, you might find it hard to believe that most of Cambodia’s population has no idea when their birthdays are, an interesting fact about Cambodia and one that is quite unusual in comparison to western societies. While some youngsters celebrate birthdays, most people just know what season they were born in.

Number 7.  There are still a lot of active landmines in the country

There are still a lot of landmines in the Cambodian countryside, and that is just one of the trillion reasons not to go to war. There are an estimated 4 to 6 million active mines, with up to 30 people dying every year from one.

Number 6. Cambodia is home to some extremely rare animal species

Cambodia is home to a variety of rare and endangered animal species. Irrawaddy dolphins and Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtles can be found on the Mekong River. So you know, the turtle is incredibly strange. A wide variety of fauna and flora can be found in the Cardamom mountains, and the Tonle Sap lake is home to an enormous number of rare and exotic marine and bird species. A lot of Cambodia’s natural landscapes have also been under-researched, which means that there could be a lot of species roaming the country that are still unknown. 

Number 5. Cambodia has altered its name 4 times over the past 60 years

Cambodia has undergone a number of name changes over the past 60 years. ‘Kingdom of Cambodia’ was the first, then ‘Khmer Republic’. Later on, it was renamed ‘Democratic Kampuchea’ during the Khmer Rouge, and then ‘The People’s Republic of Kampuchea’ after the war was over, as suggested by Vietnamese officials after the war ended.

The kingdom has reverted to its original name, ‘Kingdom of Cambodia,’ as we know it today.

Number 4. The country has a shocking past that happened not that long ago

It is estimated that around 2 million people were killed during the four years of the Khmer Rouge’s rule. In other words, one-fifth of the population. Approximately 63% of Cambodia’s population is under thirty years old as a result of the genocide that took place between 1975 and 1979.

Number 3. Tonle Sap Lake is a natural wonder

Tonle Sap Lake is awesome. UNESCO indicated it in its list of biosphere reserves recently for its importance to humans and animals. The lake does an amazing thing twice a year – the flow of water changes direction and either fill up or drains. With this marvel, the lake could be the biggest in Southeast Asia or just another medium-sized lake. Wildlife in the area, as well as human settlements in and around the lake, benefit from the water flow, bringing fish, tourism, and new opportunities.

Number 2. There is a lot more to Angkor ruins  than you think

It is said that Angkor Wat is the biggest religious complex in the world, but in fact, the grounds of the temple ruins cover an area of more than 500 acres – about 50 times larger than Machu Picchu’s site on the same scale. It is one of Cambodia’s  top tourist attraction

Number 1. Cambodia’s National Flag Is Unique

One of the most interesting facts about Cambodia is that its national flag is the only national flag on the planet that features a monument, which makes it one of the most interesting national flags on the planet. The national flag of the country features a monument that is the most famous tourist destination in the country, the Angor Wat temple.

In conclusion, Cambodia is a magical place. It’s a land of endless beauty, history, and adventure. The country is dotted with stunning temples, stunning hilltops, stunning beaches, and stunning people and it will leave you in awe. So, if you’re someone that has an interest in Asian culture and wants to see a country with a remarkable past, then Cambodia is the place for you.