Peoples of Cambodia

Peoples of Cambodia

Ethnic Khmers constitute almost 95 percent of Cambodia’s population, making it the most homogenous country in the world. At the same time, the country is also home to a number of ethnic minorities, principal among them the Chams, the Chinese, and the Vietnamese. There are at least 20 distinct hill tribes, such as the Kavet, the Tompuon, and the Phnong, who inhabit the mountainous northeast provinces. The majority of the country’s population lives in rural areas.

ETHNIC KHMERS

The Khmers are the dominant ethnic group in Cambodia and are proud to proclaim themselves the descendants of the great civilization of Angkor, the symbol of the nation. They once controlled a large chunk of Southeast Asia that extended into modern-day Thailand and Vietnam. The impact of classic Khmer culture in Cambodia is evident in the revival of several ancient arts such as the apsara (celestial dancing girl) dance and the music that accompanies these dances, both of which go back to the glorious traditions of Angkor.

ETHNIC VIETNAMESE

Although official records state that there are only about 100,000 Vietnamese in Cambodia, the actual number may be much higher, making them the largest non-Khmer group in the country. Settled in southeast and central Cambodia, they form the numerous fishing communities around Takeo and the Tonlé Sap Lake. Many Vietnamese are also rice farmers. Phnom Penh has a large population of Vietnamese, many of whose ancestors had been brought over from Vietnam by the French as civil servants.

ETHNIC CHINESE

Cambodians of Chinese or mixed Chinese and Cambodian descent are known as the Khmer Chen. The Chinese controlled businesses and economic interests in Cambodia before the 1975 revolution, but the community was brutally persecuted by the Khmer Rouge, and thousands emigrated. Today, half a million Khmer Chen live in Cambodia and they continue to dominate commerce in the urban centres, particularly banking, moneylending, and the import and export of food products.

ETHNIC CHAM

Originally from the Champa Kingdom of Central Vietnam, the Cham people, who number at least 250,000, have lived in Cambodia for over 500 years. More than 90 percent of the Chams are Muslims, and are referred to as the Khmer Islam. Most live in Cham-only villages along the banks of the Mekong River and the Tonlé Sap Lake. Apart from fishing, they are also involved in farming, raising cattle, and growing rice. Cham men wear a sarong called a batik and the women usually cover their heads with a scarf or turban.

Religions of Cambodia 

Buddhism is by far the most widespread religion in Cambodia , with a majority of the people practicing this faith. Virtually every village has a wat (temple), the spiritual heart of the community, where the monks reside.

Animist beliefs also remain very strong and most followers believe that the world is influenced by an array of spirits, guardians, and ghosts. Although these traditions are strongest in rural areas, many city dwellers also consult a shaman. There are some followers of Islam in Cambodia and both countries also have a considerable Christian population.

BUDDHISM

Theravada Buddhism defines most cultural practices in Cambodia, and entering monkhood is thought to accrue many benefits. Most men become monks for a short period in their lives, typically between three months and three years, living under a set of strict monastic rules.

Women are also allowed to become monks, although it is usually later in life, often after the death of their husbands.

Buddhism in Cambodia is influenced by Hinduism and animism. These influences are visible not just in rituals and ceremonies, but also in temples such as the Bayon in Angkor

Thom where statues of the Buddha coexist with those of Hindu gods.

ISLAM

A majority of Muslims, numbering about 250,000 in Cambodia and some 500 in Laos, are of Cham origin, although a few are ethnic Malays. Belonging to the Sunni sect of Islam, the Cambodian Chams, who suffered terribly under the Khmer Rouge, live on the coast of Cambodia in fishing communities. The Chams of Laos live mostly in Vientiane.

OTHER RELIGIONS

Christianity, Confucianism, and the Baha’i faith are among the other religions practiced in Cambodia and Laos. There is a substantial, and expanding, Christian population in both countries, along with small numbers of followers of the Baha’ s and Confucian faiths. Evangelical and Mormon churches are active in Cambodia, but proselytizing was officially banned in 2007, after missionary groups were accused of trying to convert people by offering free food and clothing.

Confucianism is practiced by many ethnic Chinese in the region. The religion is based on the teachings of the highly revered Chinese sage and philosopher Confucius (551–479 BC), who outlined a code of moral, social, and political ethics that includes loyalty to the state and to the family.