Cambodian culture — Khmer heritage, Angkor temples, Theravada Buddhism. Recovery after Khmer Rouge genocide.
Language
Khmer — Austroasiatic language, oldest still-spoken in SE Asia. Khmer script (7th c.) — model for Thai and Lao.
Angkor
Angkor Wat (12th c.) — world largest religious temple, on Cambodian flag. Angkor Thom, Bayon (Buddha faces), Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider). 1000+ temples in Angkor area.
Buddhism
97% Theravada Buddhists. Monks in orange robes. Boys ordained 7+ days as adulthood ritual. Wat (temple) in every village.
Apsara Dance
Royal ballet of Cambodia — UNESCO. Apsara (divine dancers) costumes from Angkor reliefs. 1500 years tradition. Survived Khmer Rouge.
Cuisine
Amok (fish curry in banana leaf) — national dish. Kuy teav (rice noodle soup), prahok (fermented fish), nom banh chok. Less spicy than Thai, more sour.
Genocide and Recovery
Khmer Rouge 1975-1979 killed 2 million (25% of population), including artists, monks, intellectuals. Tuol Sleng (S-21), Killing Fields memorials. Cultural revival ongoing.
Modern Culture
Cambodian cinema — Rithy Panh (The Missing Picture, Oscar nomination 2014). Royal University of Fine Arts. Khmer New Year (April) major festival.