Cambodians

Cambodians, or Khmer people, are the ethnic majority of Cambodia, a Southeast Asian country bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand. The population of Cambodia is around 17 million in the early 2020s. The Khmer constitute the overwhelming majority, while minority groups include Cham (Muslims), Vietnamese, Chinese, and various hill tribes. The official language is Khmer; many Cambodians also speak foreign languages such as English or French, particularly in urban areas.

Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by the vast majority of Cambodians. Other religious communities include Muslims, Christians, and practitioners of traditional beliefs. Cambodian culture has deep historical roots linked to the Khmer Empire, which built the Angkor complex. In the modern era, Cambodia experienced French colonial rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries, followed by decades of conflict, including the Khmer Rouge period from 1975 to 1979. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords led to United Nations administration and a new constitutional framework, with elections held in the 1990s and subsequent political developments shaping the country.

Cultural life centers on family and community, with notable traditions in dance, music, and the arts. Angkor Wat and other temples are international symbols of Cambodia. Cambodian cuisine emphasizes rice, fish, and fermented products such as prahok, with regional variations. Economically, agriculture remains important, while garment manufacturing and tourism are significant modern sectors. The Cambodian diaspora includes communities in the United States, France, Australia, Canada, and other countries.