Offering a comprehensive overview of the current situation in the country, The Handbook of Contemporary Cambodia provides a broad coverage of social, cultural, political and economic development within both rural and urban contexts during the last decade. A detailed introduction places Cambodia within its global and regional frame, and the handbook is then divided into five thematic sections: Political and Economic Tensions Rural Developments Urban Conflicts Social Processes Cultural Currents The first section looks at the major political implications and tensions that have occurred in Cambodia, as well as the changing parameters of its economic profile. The handbook then highlights the major developments that are unfolding within the rural sphere, before moving on to consider how cities in Cambodia, and particularly Phnom Penh, have become primary sites of change. The fourth section covers the major processes that have shaped social understandings of the country, and how Cambodians have come to understand themselves in relation to each other and the outside world. Section five analyses the cultural dimensions of Cambodia’s current experience, and how identity comes into contact with and responds to other cultural themes. Bringing together a team of leading scholars on Cambodia, the handbook presents an understanding of how sociocultural and political economic processes in the country have evolved. It is a cutting edge and interdisciplinary resource for scholars and students of Southeast Asian Studies, as well as policymakers, sociologists and political scientists with an interest in contemporary Cambodia.

This book explores young Cambodians’ perceptions of their place in today’s society and how they interact with the country’s arts and culture scene. The popularity of Cambodian hip-hop among youth presents an opportunity for research to dive deeper into the roles of popular music in society and how these roles, in turn, shape Cambodian cultural identities. Research on the above-mentioned topic by local researchers is scarce. There is a gap in the research on the topic of identity, its connection to arts and culture, and how these two are positioned in a broader context of Cambodian identity politics and cultural economy. This book aims to provide a starting point for observation and conversation about youth cultural identities and the subtexts of certain narratives disseminated through music. The book contributes to the global research agenda by adding to the few voices in academia looking at localised models of cultural economies and trying to understand them based on local phenomena observed through local lenses. Utilising the author’s perspective and social experiences as a Cambodian researcher growing up and living in Cambodia, the book provides a unique perspective of the country’s cultural landscape. This will make the book of interest to all scholars of international cultural policy and the global creative economy, especially those with a particular interest in Cambodia.

The Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Buddhism offers a comprehensive collection of work by leading scholars in the field. They examine the historical development of Buddhist traditions throughout the world, from traditional settings like India, Japan, and Tibet, to the less well known regions of Latin America, Africa, and Oceania.

Cambodia, also known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is located in Southeast Asia with Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the south. The country has a rich and tumultuous history with ancient Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms, European colonialism and the devastating rule of the Khmer Rouge. Despite its troubled past, Cambodia has made significant progress in recent decades and is emerging as a popular tourist destination. Cambodia's capital city is Phnom Penh, which is known for its French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the Royal Palace. Other popular tourist destinations include Siem Reap, home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, and Sihanoukville, a coastal city with stunning beaches and offshore islands. The country's official language is Khmer, and the currency is the Cambodian riel. Cambodia's economy largely relies on agriculture, with rice being the main crop, and tourism has become a significant source of income in recent years.