Khmer Greeting

Cambodians traditionally greet each other with "Sompeah". This is a pressing of the palms together as in prayer and bowing the head slightly. Younger people or people of lower status usually initiate the greeting and the lower the bow and the higher the hand are held, the more respect is shown. Hand shacking has also been largely accepted in Cambodia.​ Restraint and courtesy are the focal points of Cambodian social relations. The language of both speech and gesture features these qualities. Even in the greeting one another, Cambodian indicate status for the type of greeting used depends on the rank of the person addressed. Gestures used by those of lower ranks automatically recognize the status of the higher ranks. The most complex gestures are reserved for the royal family or Buddhist monks.

Those automatically given respect-that is, those who are recognized as of higher social rank- including patrons, employers, teachers, parents, grandparents and in general, any one older. The superior returns a simpler greeting that acknowledges the respect given.

About Cambodia

KING OF CAMBODIA

NATIONAL FLAG
The flag of Cambodia symbolizes the country’s religious dignity and royalty. Two large blue stripes representing royalty, embrace an even larger red stripe which represents the nation. The image of the white temple represents the nation’s religion. Generally speaking, the colors and image on the Cambodian flag personify the country’s slogan: Nation, Religion, King.

SOCIO-ECONIMICS AT A GLANCE
 

Official Name:	Kingdom of Cambodia
Flag of Cambodia:
Royal Arms of Cambodia:
Motto:	"Nation, religion, King"
Anthem:	Nokoreach
Surface Area:	181 035 Sq.km
Capital City:	Phnom Penh
Official Language:	Khmer
Demonym:	Khmer or Cambodian
King:	Samdech Norodom Sihamoni
Prime Minister:	Samdech Dek Cho Hun Sen
Government:	Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary representative Democracy
Legislature: Upper House: Lower House:	Parliament Senate National Assembly
Climatic Condition:	Tropical and Monson
National Currency:	Riel (R)
Time Zone:	GMT+7hours

GEOGRAPHY

Cambodia has land area of 181 035 sq.km, in the south-west part of the Indochina peninsula, about 20% of which is used for agriculture. The country's maximum extent is about 580 km (est-west) and 450 km (north-south). It is bounded on the west by Thailand, on the north by Thailand and Laos, on the east by Vietnam and on the south by the Gulf of Thailand. In comparison wit its neighboring countries, Cambodia is administratively divided into 24 provinces and the capital of Phnom Penh. Provinces are further subdivided into 159 districts and 26 municipalities. The capital is divided into 8 khan. Districts are consist of 1417 Khum and 204Sangkat

Climate
Cambodia's climate is hot and warm almost all year round. The climate is dominated by the annual monsoon cycle of rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to October, and the dry season is from November to April. December to January are the cool months while the hottest period is in April. The average temperature is 27 - 28oC.

Languages
Khmer is the official language in Cambodia. English is very popular with people for communicating with foreigners in administrative, commercial, diplomatic, economic, industrial , and tourist affairs. The older people educated at their local comprehensive school can speak French clearly. Khmer-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

Religion
Cambodia is predominantly Biddhist. Like most other religions, there are many different types of Buddhism, and about 95% of Cambodians belong to the Theavada sect of Buddhists. Religion is an important tradition in Cambodia, and for a very long time, most Cambodian have not been willing to change. In more recent years, many Cambodians, especially the young people have begun to look for more, and many Christian missionatire have been able to enter the country. Christianity as well as many false religions have been growing rapidly in Cambodia.

Currency
The Cambodian currency is Riel that can fluctuate a little if it is compared with a dollar. Riel denominations are 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200; 100; and 50; Banknotes, which are printed in both Khmer and English, increase in size according to value and are in different colors.