AIDS

Despite popular belief that Angkor was discovered in the 1860's, the Khmer knew of the city's existence and the legacy it had upon Cambodia. The country's economy is still reliant upon rice cultivation , but the tourism generated by Angkorian sites is becoming increasingly important.

 

The rural housing hasn’t changed in centuries and man modern buildings are made to look Angkorian. Their cooking methods haven't changed since the 12th century, nor have their cart designs. Cambodian social etiquette, like their respect for superiors and courtesy, all stem from the Angkorian Era. Cambodia's religious beliefs have changed little since the 14th century, combining elements from Neak Ta, Hinduism and Buddhism, and Angkor's temples remain Cambodia's national flag. The Cambodian King's coronation has not changed in centuries and the king remains the spiritual and physical protector of the realm. Cambodian ballet keeps alive the Reamker epic, depicted on the walls of Angkor Watt. The Khmer language and alphabet is based upon those used in Angkor. The legacy of Angkor is also stretched beyond Cambodia, influencing the cultural and political developments of Thailand , Laos and Vietnam.

 

Some ethnic Khmers living in Vietnam and Thailand, along with nationalists in Cambodia, still want to see the former Khmer Empire's territories returned to Cambodia, that remain part of other modern da countries. Border disputes often occur between Thailand and Cambodia over the rightful ownership of temples. This is then more complicated, when Cambodian nationalists of ethnic Khmer decent are forced to become Vietnamese and Thai, loosing their cultural link with Angkor.