Cambodian culture was dealt a body blow by the horrendous rule of Pol Pot and his genocidal Khmer Rouge army. The despot sought to eradicate all trace of the former rich culture that the country possessed seeking to replace it with his own sanitised form of history, naturally painting himself as a heroic leader.

An estimated two million Cambodians died during the Khmer Rouge rule, and included among these were many figures of culture, including religious figures and artists. However, as has been demonstrated the world over, the Cambodian culture was kept alive in spirit through the arts, songs paintings and even national dress. Since the demise of the Khmer Rouge the traditional religion of Buddhism has become re-established, and most people live according to that religion's simple tenets of respect and hospitality.

To outsiders Cambodians (particularly those born in and around the '70s) are both polite and curious. Also they are appreciative of the tourist dollar in a way which some East Asian countries have long since ceased to be. Many visitors comment on the feel-good factor of spending tourist dollars to support the rebuilding of the country and Cambodia is awash with various NGOs involved in all sorts of projects ranging from landmine clearance to restoring old temples. The average visitor can contribute simply by eating out, having a massage or attending a show as many charities have business outlets in major cities.

Rice, as in other South East Asian countries, is the staple grain, while fish from the Mekong and Tonle Sap also form an important part of the diet. The Cambodian per capita supply of fish and fish products for food and trade in 2000 was 20 kilograms of fish per year or 2 ounces per day per person.Some of the fish can be made into prahok (a Khmer delicacy) for longer storage. Overall, the cuisine of Cambodia is similar to that of its Southeast Asian neighbours. The cuisine is relatively unknown to the world compared to that of its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam and similar to other Southeast Asia cuisines.

Football (soccer) is one of the more popular sports, although professional organized sports are not as prevalent in Cambodia as in western countries due to the economic conditions. The Cambodia national football team managed fourth in the 1972 Asian Cup but development has slowed since the civil war. Western sports such as volleyball, bodybuilding, field hockey, rugby, and baseball are gaining popularity while traditional boat racing maintains its appeal as a national sport. Martial arts is also practiced in Cambodia which include the native art of Pradal Serey, Karate, Judo, Kung Fu and Taekwondo.