Скачать или смотреть កម្ពុជា Vs ឡាវ ( Cambodia vs Lao)

Cambodia vs. Laos: A Comparative Overview

#### 1. *Geography and Size*
**Cambodia**: Covers about 181,035 square kilometers. Its terrain is dominated by the low-lying central plain of the Mekong River and the Tonlé Sap lake, with mountainous regions in the northeast and southwest.
**Laos**: Smaller, at around 236,800 square kilometers. It's landlocked and largely mountainous, with the Mekong River forming a significant part of its border. The terrain is rugged and forested.

#### 2. *Population*
**Cambodia**: As of 2023, Cambodia has approximately 17 million people. The population is predominantly Khmer, and the country is experiencing rapid urbanization, with Phnom Penh being the most populous city.
**Laos**: Has a smaller population, with around 7.5 million people. Laos is ethnically diverse, with the Lao Loum (lowland Lao) being the majority. The population is more rural, with a slower urbanization rate.

#### 3. *Economy*
**Cambodia**: Its economy is growing rapidly, driven by garment manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and construction. The GDP per capita in 2023 is around $1,700. Cambodia is heavily reliant on exports, especially textiles.
**Laos**: Has a smaller economy, with key sectors being agriculture, hydropower, mining, and tourism. GDP per capita in 2023 is about $2,600, though it remains one of the poorer countries in the region. Laos is highly dependent on hydropower exports to neighboring countries, especially Thailand and Vietnam.

#### 4. *Politics*
**Cambodia**: Operates as a constitutional monarchy, with King Norodom Sihamoni as the ceremonial head of state, but the ruling Cambodian People’s Party has dominated the political scene for decades under Prime Minister Hun Sen.
**Laos**: A single-party socialist republic led by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. The country is tightly controlled by the government, and political freedom is limited. The president is both the head of state and the government.

#### 5. *Culture and Religion*
**Cambodia**: Strongly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism, with Theravada Buddhism being the state religion. The country has a rich cultural history, best known for the Angkor Wat temple complex.
**Laos**: Also predominantly Theravada Buddhist, and Buddhism plays a central role in daily life and cultural practices. The country is known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as weaving and sculpture.

#### 6. *Tourism*
**Cambodia**: Attracts millions of visitors each year, primarily due to Angkor Wat and other historical sites. Tourism is a significant contributor to the economy, with Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville being other key destinations.
**Laos**: Tourism is smaller in scale but growing, with highlights including Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Mekong River. Ecotourism is a focus, with an emphasis on preserving natural beauty and traditional lifestyles.

#### 7. *Infrastructure and Development*
**Cambodia**: More advanced in terms of infrastructure development, especially in urban areas. Roads, airports, and telecommunications have been improving rapidly due to foreign investment, particularly from China.
**Laos**: Lags behind Cambodia in infrastructure, but there have been significant developments in road networks and hydropower projects, often supported by international loans and Chinese investments.

#### 8. *Language*
**Cambodia**: The official language is Khmer, spoken by the vast majority of the population.
**Laos**: Lao is the official language, though many ethnic groups speak their own languages.

#### 9. *International Relations*
**Cambodia**: Close ties with China and is a member of ASEAN. Cambodia's international relations often revolve around trade, regional stability, and investment.
**Laos**: Strong relations with neighboring countries like Vietnam and China. Laos also benefits from infrastructure projects through China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Summary:
*Cambodia* has a larger population and a more dynamic economy focused on manufacturing and tourism.
*Laos* is more rural, with an economy based on agriculture, hydropower, and mining. Both nations are influenced by Buddhism and share similar cultural elements, but Cambodia's historical prominence and larger size give it more geopolitical significance.