They include 23 in Koh Kong province, 2 in Kampot province, 22 in Sihanoukville and 13 in Kep city. The provinces are subdivided into 159 districts and 26 municipalities. The landscape has suffered from rubber farming, logging and particularly mining, although sizable areas of pristine jungle survive, which are home to rare and endemic wildlife. Water levels, not flow rates and volumes, determine the movement of water across the landscape."[37]. As the Mekong enters Cambodia (over 95% of its waters have already joined the river) it widens and inundates large areas. The river divides into two branches below Phnom Penh: the Mekong proper and the Bassac (Basak). Countrywide there are two seasons of relatively equal length, defined by varying precipitation as temperatures and humidity are generally high and steady throughout the entire year. It is heaviest in the mountains along the coast in the southwest, which receive from 2,500 mm (98.4 in) to more than 5,000 mm (196.9 in) of precipitation annually as the southwest monsoon reaches the coast. [99] The area’s extensive wetland habitats are the product of the annual Mekong maximum, the simultaneous wet season and the drainage paths of a number of minor rivers. Municipalities and districts are the second-level administrative divisions of Cambodia. 41. Border disputes have broken out in the past and do persist between Cambodia and Thailand as well as between Cambodia and Vietnam. The Royal Government of Cambodia estimates Cambodia contains approximately 10.36 million hectares of forest cover, representing approximately 57.07% of Cambodia’s land area (2011). The middle section has some areas that are well drained, others that are poorly drained and swampy. Angkor Wat (bahasa Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត, "candi kota") adalah sebuah gugus bangunan candi di negara Kamboja yang merupakan salah satu monumen keagamaan terbesar di dunia. The country is situated in its entirety inside the tropical Indomalayan realm[1] and the Indochina Time zone (ICT). Among Asian rivers, only the Yangtze and Ganges have larger minimum flows. The highest mountain of Cambodia, Phnom Aural, at 1,810 m (5,940 ft) is located in Aoral District in Kampong Speu Province. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Its highest point is 761 m (2,497 ft). The total length of the Cambodian coastal area has been disputed. "[104], Cambodia is home to a wide array of wildlife. The Khorat-Kontum terrane, which includes western Laos, Cambodia and southern Vietnam, consists of the Kontum metamorphic complex, Paleozoic shallow marine deposits, upper Permian arc volcanic rocks and Mesozoic terrigenous sedimentary rocks. The Acrisols are the most prevalent soil group occupying the lowlands - nearly half of the land area of Cambodia. To the east the rivers flow into the Tonle Sap, as in the south-west rivers flow into the Gulf of Thailand. The river then flows through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam before draining into the South China Sea south of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Rainfall around the basin increases with elevation. The Dâmrei (Elephant) and Krâvanh (Cardamom) mountains in southwestern Cambodia constitute the southern highlands. Sandy textured profiles are common amongst the most prevalent soil groups, including Acrisols and Leptosols. It has a total area of about 25,000 square miles (65,000 square km) and can be divided into three major sections. Cambodia has 2 main sources of natural freshwater, the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap, a huge lake connected to the Mekong. The Tonle Sap, also known as the Great Lake in central Cambodia is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the richest inland fishing grounds in the world. Toward the southern slopes of the Elephant Mountains, small rivers flow south-eastward on the eastern side of the divide. Corrections? In spring, the flow of the Mekong River, fed by monsoon rains, increases to a point where its outlets through the delta can't handle the enormous volume of water. The eastern highlands form part of the Annamese Cordillera, from which streams drain west into the Mekong. More than 30 ethnic groups of indigenous people live in the Annamites, each with their distinctive and traditional music, language, dress and customs. Der Text ist unter der Lizenz „Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike“ verfügbar; Informationen zu den Urhebern und zum Lizenzstatus eingebundener Mediendateien (etwa Bilder oder Videos) können im Regelfall durch Anklicken dieser abgerufen werden. These areas constitute the easternmost fringes of the south-west monsoon, determined to be inside the Tropical monsoon climate. This figure rose to 45,000 km2 (17,000 sq mi) during 2000 when some of the worst flood conditions recorded caused over 800 deaths in Cambodia and Vietnam. The Chinese regime is using the Mekong River, the most important water system in Southeast Asia, to control half of the ten member countries … International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994", "KRAM DATED OCTOBER 22, 1996 ON THE ADOPTION OF THE CONVENTION ON WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE - ESPECIALLY AS WATERFOWL HABITAT", "LAW OF THE SEA 6 . [76] On the contrary, international observers and independent sources provide rather different numbers. After extensive rapids, turbulent sections and cataracts in Laos, the river enters the country at Stung Treng province, is predominantly calm and navigable during the entire year as it widens considerably in the lowlands. [94][95], The lake’s flooded forest and the surrounding floodplains are of utmost importance for Cambodia's agriculture as the region represents the cultural heart of Cambodia, the center of the national freshwater fishery industry - the nation's primary protein source. Many of the country's species are recognized by the IUCN or World Conservation Union as threatened, endangered, or critically endangered due to deforestation and habitat destruction, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, farming, fishing, and unauthorized forestry concessions. A further 10% is estimated to enter the system by overland flow from the Mekong. The central lowlands extend into Vietnam to the south-east. Sediments on the continental shelf are the basis for extensive mangroves marshes, in particular in the Koh Kong province and the Ream National Park. Geography. O fluxo de água no Mekong durante a estação seca é de 15 000 m³ por segundo, [ 87 ] enquanto no resto do ano, pode chegar até a 60 000 m³ por segundo em Phnom Penh. The eco-region consists of a mosaic of habitats for a great number of species. The relatively intact forests occupy a broad topographic range - from lowlands with wet evergreen forests to montane habitats with evergreen hardwood and conifer forests. Vientiane (Viangchan), the capital of Laos, and Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, both stand on its banks. [16] The Indo-Sinian orogeny was followed by extension of the Indo-Chinese block, the formation of rift basins and thermal subsidence during the early Triassic. As the Mekong river begins its minimum around this time of the year and its water level falls deeper than the inundated Tonle Sap lake, Tonle Sap river and surrounding wetlands, waters of the lake's basin now drains via the Tonle Sap river into the Mekong. [57] The Food and Agriculture Organization claims a length of 557 km (346 mi) in one of its studies. From Kampong Cham Province the gradient slopes very gently, and inundation of areas along the river occurs at flood stage. They are nesting - and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species. The two basins actually form a single body of water, the whole of which effects about 75% of Cambodia’s land cover.[36]. Cambodia is party to the following treaties: Southern Annamites Montane Rain Forests ecoregion. lowest point: Illegal logging are issues on both, the Thai as well as on the Cambodian side, leaving large hill stretches denuded, vulnerable tree species such as Dalbergia cochinchinensis have been affected. This is partly because of the region’s location — it is an isolated, inaccessible place — and because decades of war and conflict perversely protected the forests from over-exploitation. 200 nmi (230.2 mi; 370.4 km) Which is the longest river in Africa? The freshwater wetlands of Cambodia represent one of the most diverse ecosystems worldwide. Plants and animals adapted to moist conditions, to seek refuge here and evolve into highly specialized types that are found nowhere else on Earth. [98], Wetlands cover more than 30% of Cambodia. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Cambodia's low mountain ranges - representing the walls of the bowl - remain as the result of only rather recent substantial infrastructural development and economic exploitation - in particular in remote areas - formidably forested. [38][39] The Mekong branches off into several arms near Phnom Penh and reaches Vietnamese territory south of Koh Thom and Loek Daek districts of Kandal Province. 42. Rio de Janeiro ("River of January" in Portuguese) Famous City in southeastern Brazil and former capital of the country from 1764 to 1960. contiguous zone: Arenosols (sandy soils featuring very weak or no soil development) are mapped on only 1.6% of the land area. Between the falls and Krâchéh there are rapids interspersed with alluvial plains. It has a length of about 2,700 miles (4,350 km). [4][5][6], The landmass is bisected by the Mekong river, which at 486 km (302 mi) is the longest river in Cambodia. A belt of freshwater mangroves known as the "flooded forest" surrounds the lake. [50] Forest fires are common during the dry season. About three-fourths of the drainage area of the Mekong lies within the four countries the river traverses on its lower course—Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. [sic]"[61] Most islands are, apart from the two small groups of the outer islands, in relative proximity to the coast. Tropical cyclones only rarely cause damage in Cambodia. The main subgroups are: Gleyic Acrisols (20.5%, Haplic Acrisols (13.3%), Plinthic Acrisol (8.7%) and Ferric Acrisol (6.3%). 200 nmi (230.2 mi; 370.4 km), Elevation extremes: Continuously striving to provide modern luxury to all its guests, Celebrity Cruises are perfect for explorers wanting a fabulously designed ship with extraordinary itineraries. [33][67], The Mekong River and its tributaries comprise one of the largest river systems Answer: 400. Extending 110 km (68 mi) north from the Gulf of Thailand, they reach a high point in the Bok Koŭ ridge at Mount Bokor 1,081 m (3,547 ft) near the sea.[46][47][48][49]. [52][53][54], Ethnically diverse To the south of the east-west course of the river below Vientiane lies the Khorat Plateau, which embraces almost all of the Thai portion of the basin as well as the lower parts of the Mekong’s Laotian tributaries. Cambodia's climate, like that of much of the rest of mainland Southeast Asia is dominated by monsoons, which are known as tropical wet and dry because of the distinctly marked seasonal differences. [7][8], Two third of the country's population live in the lowlands, where the rich sediment deposited during the Mekong's annual flooding makes the agricultural lands highly fertile. This area of greatest rainfall, however, drains mostly to the sea; only a small quantity goes into the rivers flowing into the basin. Extensive on-line galleries of travel, adventure, landscape, and nature photography by QT Luong, featuring thousands of pictures, available as fine art prints or for image licencing. The trees offer refuge and nursery grounds for fish, crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. The northern highlands have highly folded ranges that reach elevations of about 9,000 feet (2,700 metres) above sea level, many with steep slopes. What ocean does Indonesia lie in? ", "Sandy surface textures are more prevalent than the deep sandy soils that fit the definition for Arenosols. [104] The most pristine mangrove forests are found in Koh Kong Province. 4,520 km2 (1,745.2 sq mi), Maritime claims: continental shelf: The river divides into two branches below Phnom Penh: the Mekong proper and the Bassac (Basak). [27] The Mekong traverses the north to south-east portions of the country, where the low-lying plains extend into Vietnam and reach the South China Sea at the Mekong Delta region. Answer: Cambodia. 24 nmi (27.6 mi; 44.4 km) [113], Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have experienced major changes in land use and land cover over the last two decades. [80] Approximately 40% of Cambodia’s Forests have some level of protection, while one of the Cambodia Millennium Development Goals targets is to achieve a 60% forest cover by 2015. [21] The north-westernmost islands near and around the Kaoh Pao river delta (Prek Kaoh Pao) area are to a great extent sediments of estuaries and rivers, very flat and engulfed in contiguous mangrove marshes.[62][63]. [114], Cambodia's boundaries were for the most part based upon those recognized by France and by neighboring countries during the colonial period. in the world. The sediment deposited into the lake during the Mekong's flood stage appears to be greater than the quantity carried away later by the Tonle Sap River. Although two great roads cross it—the caravan route from the southeast to Lhasa and the road from Kunming to Myanmar—much of the river valley in the highlands of Tibet and Yunnan is remote and sparsely populated. Reviving the Paraguay river. The upper section, above Chau Doc (Chau Phu), has strong natural levees (embankments built on either side of the river by accumulated deposits of silt) behind which are low, wide depressions. 181,035 km2 (69,898.0 sq mi) As of 2009 there were more than 400 bridges in Venice, Italy. Soils and deciduous vegetation on the hills are thin, and much of the original forest has been replaced by grassland as a result of grazing and repeated burning. There is greater relief in the northern than the southern parts of the watershed, but the highlands in general are characterized by rapid streams that flow through narrow valleys before entering the lowlands bordering the Mekong. Our guide Mr. Peter was very noligable about firstly the city, history, and when we boarded the train, explained how it came about.Made 2 stops along the way, viewing a large fruit and vegetable market, and to change trains.The sites of Yangon is definitely something to see, that I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Yangon. In its upper reaches, the Mekong rises in the Tibetan Plateau between the Salween and Yangtze rivers; the streambed has cut deeply into the rugged landscape through which it flows. https://www.britannica.com/place/Mekong-River, International Rivers - Mekong River, Southeast Asia, Mekong River - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Mekong River - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Learn about the declining fish population in the Mekong River and its impact on the fishermen. A few characteristic basalt hills are located on the northern side of the mountain chain. About 69,000 ha (170,503 acres) (1%) of forest cover is planted forest. exclusive economic zone: This is called Tonle Sap, or the Great Lake. The Mekong enters Cambodia with a sudden plunge at Khone Falls. [20], The central plains consist mainly of Quaternary sands, loam and clay, as most of the northern mountain regions and the coastal region are largely composed of Cretaceous granite, Triassic stones and Jurassic sandstone formations.[21][22]. The Mun River—one of the Mekong’s most important tributaries—drains the majority of the plateau and joins the Mekong at Ban Dan, Thailand. Along its course between Myanmar and Laos, the Mekong drains about 8,000 square miles (21,000 square km) of territory in Myanmar, comprising rough and relatively inaccessible terrain. The emergence from cold war rivalries and recent major economic reforms result in a shift from subsistence agrarian modes of production to market-based agricultural production and industrialized economies, which are heavily integrated into regional and global trade systems. The meadows are highly productive, but few animals feed directly on the grasses. Children in these classes begin to explore a lot more than usual, as they start stepping out more often. [34] The area covers 25,069 km2 (9,679 sq mi). The Lake functions as a natural flood water reservoir for the Mekong system as a whole and therefore is an important source of water for the Mekong Delta during the dry season. San Francisco (Frisco) One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States. Local people, however, tended to use the forest's sustainability, for food, fuel, medicine, building materials, and other basic needs. Near Phnom Penh a junction occurs between the Mekong and the Sab River, which connects it to the Tonle Sap, sometimes called the Great Lake. Took the circular train while we were in Yangon. The southern lowlands border both sides of the Mekong below Pakxé (Pakse) in Laos. Phnum Aoral 1,810 m (5,940 ft)[123], In late 1969, the Cambodian government granted a permit to a French company to explore for petroleum in the Gulf of Thailand. kerrii dominate. total: Rising in southeastern Qinghai province, China, it flows through the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region and Yunnan province, after which it forms part of the international border between Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, as well as between Laos and Thailand. Rainfall from April to September in the Tonlé Sap Basin-Mekong Lowlands area averages 1,300 to 1,500 mm (51.2 to 59.1 in) annually, but the amount varies considerably from year to year. Direct rainfall on the lake and the other rivers in the sub-basin contribute the remaining 38%. Cambodia Natural Resources: Cambodia's mineral resources include gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, oil and natural gas. The Mekong’s important tributaries in this region include the Tha, the Ou, and the Ngum rivers, all draining northern Laos. [55], Tall grasses and deciduous forests cover the ground east of the Mekong River in Mondulkiri, where the transitional plains merge with the eastern highlands at altitudes from 200 to 1,000 m (660 to 3,280 ft). They also provide homes for monkeys, lizards, sea turtles, and many other animals as well as countless insects. In addition to the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap floodplain there are the Stung Sen River and the coastal Stung Koh Pao - and Stung Kep estuaries of Koh Kong Province and Kep Province. [96] The southwest monsoon brings the rainy season from mid-May to mid-September or to early October, and the northeast monsoon flow of drier and cooler air lasts from early November to March. [28] The country is fringed to the north by the Dangrek Mountains plateau, bordering Thailand and Laos, to the north-east by the Annamite Range, in the south-west by the Cardamom Mountains and in the South by the Elephant Mountains. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. This reduces the Country’s overall natural capital, yet whilst great benefits flow to the few; equally great burdens fall on the many. Cambodia's territorial waters account for over 50 islands. Answer: Afghanistan; Easy Geography Questions for classes 4, 5 & 6. The capital (reach thani) and provinces (khaet) of Cambodia are first-level administrative divisions. Several streams flow from these uplands into the Tonle Sap. Bowl- or saucer-shaped,[23][24] Cambodia covers 181,035 km2 (69,898 sq mi) in the south-western part of the Indochinese peninsula as its landmass and marine territory is situated entirely within the tropics. [31], "Sandy materials cover a large proportion of the landscape of Cambodia, on account of the siliceous sedimentary formations that underlie much of the Kingdom. The annual flooding, combined with poor drainage immediately around the lake, transforms the surrounding area into marshlands, unusable for agricultural purposes during the dry season. 176,515 km2 (68,152.8 sq mi) The 800 km (500 mi) boundary with Thailand runs along the watershed of the Dangrek Mountains, although only in its northern sector. - and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species is reversed during the dry season when the Republic. 90 ] the forest gradually yields to bushes and finally grassland with distance! 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