1926

CAMBODGE
Cambodia, the kingdom of the Khmer, extends from J01 deg. 30 min. to 104
ieg. 30 min. longitude E. of Paris, and from 10 deg. 30 min. to 14 deg. latitude.
:t was reduced to its present proportions in 18(jJ by the annexation of its two
ichest provinces, Angkor and Battambang, to Siam. Its area is about 62,000 square
niles. It is bounded on the south-west by the Gulf of Siam, on the south-east by French
lochin-China, on the north by the French Laos, and on the north-west and west
>y Angkor and Battambang. The noble river Mekong flows through the kingdom,
md, after passing through French Cochin-China, empties itself, by a number
>f mouths, into the sea. The Mekong is the grand waterway of Cambodia, and,
ike the Nile in Egypt, lays the greater part of the country under water annually,
greatly increasing its fertility. The soil of Cambodia is rich and productive, and rice,
jepper, indigo, cotton, tobacco, sugar, maize and cardamoms are cultivated. Coffee
nd pices of all sorts could be grown. Among woods, ebony, rose, sapan, pine,
.nd other valuable sorts exist, no fewer than 80 different kinds of timber being found
Hn the forests. Iron of good quality has been discovered, and it is affirmed that there
fire gold, silver, and lead mines in the mountains. The fisheries of Cambodia are very
•reductive, and salt fish forms one of the chief articles of export. Large quantities
f fish oil are also produced.
Cambodia was once an extensive and powerful State, and proofs that it possessed a
mch higher civilisation than that which now prevails in the country are to be
3und in the architectural remnants of former grandeur. The noble ruins of the
ncient city of Angkor are monuments of a people much superior to the feeble race
diich now inhabits Cambodia. The Cambodians differ entirely from their neighbours,
lie Annamites, both in features and customs. Polygamy is practised among them,
'he prevailing religion is Buddhism. The people are apathetic and indolent, and
ave allowed the trade to fall into the hands of Chinese, of whom there are about
60,000 in the country. The entire population of the kingdom is about 1,000,000.
lavery, since its abolition by the French Treaty of 1884, has almost entirely
isappeared.
The Government of Cambodia is a monarchy under French protection. In June,
884, King Norodom signed a new Treaty with France, by which the administration of
lie country was handed over to French Residents. Since the Convention of 1892
lie native functionaries have been appointed by the King, under the control of the
wrench Administration, and paid from the treasury of this kingdom,
n Phnom-penh, the present capital of Cambodia and seat of the Government, is
ituated on the river Mekong, nearly in the heart of the kingdom. The king’s palace
s a large building, and the portion devoted to his use is built and furnished in European
tyle. French functionaries have charge of the Treasury, Sanitary Board, administration
* justice, customs, public works and taxes. Phnom-penh has been considerably improv-
1 under the present rule, especially since the year 1889. Many roads have been made
ad numerous sanitary works carried out in the town, such as drainage works,
lie filling up of pools, marshes, etc. The town has also been provided with
waterworks and electric light. The Treasury, in the ancient Khmer style of
Tchitecture, is a most remarkable building. The other prominent public buildings
"e the Post Office, Court, Hospital, Personnel and Registration Office, Commissariat
Police, barracks for Marine Infantry, Public Works Office, Commercial Museum,
larbour Office, and the Indo-China Bank and Messageries Fluviales agencies. The
Resident Superieur has a handsome residence in the city. The population of Phnom-
enh is estimated at 39,000. Though the country generally is entirely undeveloped,
fade is extending considerably. Cambodia has no seaports of any importance,
fid the import and export trade passes through the port of Saigon. Customs
ues have been imposed since July, 1887, with exemptions in favour of French
^ods and shipping. The tariff is based on the general tariff of France, modified
certain points. The port of Kampot can only be frequented by small native
pasting vessels from Siam and by Chinese junks. Easy communication is afforded
31*