Siem Reap (Khmer: សៀមរាប, "Defeat of Siam") is a province (khaet) of Cambodia. It borders the provinces of Oddar Meanchey to the north, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom to the east, Battambang to the south, and Banteay Meanchey to the west. Its capital and largest city is Siem Reap.
Siem Reap is the 10th largest province in Cambodia. With a population of 896,309, it ranks as the 6th largest in the nation. A large portion of Siem Reap's southern border is demarcated by the Tonle Sap and as such, it is one of the nine provinces that making up the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. In modern times the province is best known as the site of Angkor and the Angkor Wat temple ruins.
Etymology [edit]
The name "Siem Reap" literally means "Siam Defeated", a reminder of the centuries old conflict between the Siamese and the Khmer. In Thailand, the province and its capital are called "Siam Rat" (Thai: เสียมราฐ), literally meaning "Siam's Territory".[2]
History [edit]
The province came under the control of the Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya and was later returned to Cambodia in 1907 after French gunboat diplomacy pressured Thai concession of the area. This area became part of a disputed territory between France and Siam (now Thailand) which led to the Franco-Thai War in 1941, resulting in victory for Thailand and a return to Thai control. The province again reverted to Cambodia in 1946, after the end of World War II with French and UN international pressure.
Subdivisions [edit]
The province is subdivided into 12 districts, 100 communes and 907 villages.[3]
References [edit]
External links [edit]
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Siem Reap Province
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