This booklet about the cultural background of Cambodia is one of three booklets that serve as a foundation for understanding the cultural diversity and values of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese students. Cambodia, or Kampuchea, has a population of about 7,000,000 and is located in mainland Southeast Asia. Its history is divided into the following periods: (1) pre-9th century; (2) the Angkor period; (3) the decline; (4) the French control; (5) post-World War II; and (6) the Khmer Rouge era. The value system is a mixture of Khmer, Indian, and French traditions, influenced by Brahmanism and Theravada Buddhism. The extended family is the basic unit of society. The official language is "Khmer." Traditional educational methods rely on memorization, but the formal school system was destroyed during the Communist invasion of 1975. Theravada Buddhism is the official religion. Khmer art is derived from Indian culture. Khmer literature is the oldest among the Southeast Asian countries. Traditional dance drama, based on mythological and religious themes, is preserved by the University of Fine Arts. Crafts include working silver and gold, carving ebony and stone, and making silk. Weddings and funerals are the most important and elaborate ceremonies. New Year, the most popular of many holidays and festivals, is a three-day celebration. Descriptions of six games played by both adults and children, a brief example of leisure reading, one map, and three illustrations are included. An explanation of the Cambodian calendar and a 32-item bibliography are appended. (FMW)