Pagodas of Phnom Penh

90 - 95% of Cambodians consider themselves to be Buddhist. There are between 3,000 and 5,000 pagodas (wats) in the country. Buddhism has been a central part of Cambodian culture for centuries. Cambodian men are expected to spend some time during their young adulthood as monks. Volunteering in pagodas, and giving food and charity to monks and pagodas are essential to moving towards enlightenment. Pagoda complexes are places of sanctuary and education. 

Pagodas key to literacy

During the Khmer Rouge years, Buddhism, monks, and their pagodas were attacked viciously. After the Khmer Rouge were vanquished, the religion and its institutions slowly began to recover. However, some people say that the monkhood has been very damaged due to the loss of the older monks. And in today's Cambodia, others feel that the monks are not independent enough of the government. 

For a casual visitor, the pagoda complexes are quiet, cool places, with cats, birds, and so many hints about the rich cultural heritage of this country. I love nothing more than to wander around a pagoda complex, taking pictures of the stupas, statues, and cats. (Oh yeah, this is the place to find cats in Cambodia - like the humans, this is their place of sanctuary too).