Moeurn Samet

Religion in Cambodia Buddhism in Cambodia             Buddhism in Cambodia is currently a form of Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism has existed in Cambodia since at least the 5 th century, and in its earlier form was a type of Mahayana Buddhism.             Approximately 95% of Cambodia’s population follows Theravada Buddhism, heavily influenced by Shaivism and Vaishnavism and by animism, with Islam, Christianity, and tribal animism making up the bulk of the remainder. The wat (Buddhist Monastery) and Sangha (monkhood), together with essential Buddhist doctrines such as reincarnation and the accumulation of merit, are at the center of religious life, but interact with indigenous beliefs such as the central role of ancestors and spirits.             Buddhism has existed in Cambodia since at least the 5 th century AD, with some surges placing its origin as early as the 3 rd century BC. Theravada Buddhism has been the Cambodian state religion since the 13 th century AD

About Cambodia                         Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation with landscapes of low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and Gulf of Thailand coastline. Its busy capital, Phnom Penh, is home to the art deco Central Market, the glittering Royal palace and the National Museum’s historical and archaeological exhibits. In the country’s northwest lie ruins of Angkor Wat, a massive stone temple complex built during the Khmer Empire. King : Norodom Sihamoni Currency : Cambodia Riel    Neighboring countries : Thailand, Vietnam, Laos Capital City : Phnom Penh             The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, Khmer pronunciation: Formerly known as Chaktomuk (Khmer: ចតុមុខ ) “Four Faces”, is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Tonle Mekong. Phnom Penh has been the national capital since French colonization of Cambodia, and has grown to become the nation’s center of economic a