Battambang

Province

Battambang is a city in western Cambodia, administrative capital of the province and is located about 290 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh. 2008 180 318 inhabitants lived in the city. Battambang is located on the National Highway NH -5, which runs from Poipet and Sisophon in the north to Pursat to Phnom Penh in the south of the country. The nearly parallel railway line also runs through Battambang.

History

In the 19th century, the province of Battambang belonged (together with the province of Siem Reap) temporarily to neighboring Thailand (then Siam). Only in 1907 was made under pressure from the colonial power France, the return to Cambodia. In 1966 it came to the brutal suppression of a peasant revolt by security forces of Prince Norodom Sihanouk in the province. During the Civil War 1970-1975 in the time of the regime of General Lon Nol, the population of the city Battambang increased considerably. In contrast to Phnom Penh, fled into the hundreds of thousands of farmers from the bombings of the United States, the refugees put together from Battambang's affluent Khmer from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. With the evacuation of all Cambodian cities by the Khmer Rouge in 1975, the residents were forced to leave Battambang forced their city.

At meetings held under UNTAC control the royalist party FUNCINPEC 1993 elections, Prince Norodom Ranariddh of Battambang achieved by far the most votes.

In 1997, a peace march led by the Buddhist monk Maha Ghosananda of Battambang in the city of Pailin.

Economy

Economically, the province of Battambang is considered the " rice basket" of Cambodia. Due to the fertile soil, the farmers achieve partial two rice crops a year. The income in the province of Battambang is therefore higher than in other regions of Cambodia. Rice surpluses are marketed within Cambodia and exported abroad. In addition to the rice cultivation of fruit ( oranges) and vegetables plays a major role for the farmers.

Illegal deforestation have led to visible environmental damage in the province. In contrast to Siem Reap / Angkor tourism plays in the city of Battambang still not a big role, but practice the quiet provincial town atmosphere with French colonial architecture and a tropical sights that an increasing attraction for visitors.

Attractions

• The Buddhist monastery Phnom Sampeau
• Wat Phnom Ek
• Wat Banan
• The Da Tambong figure ( Grandfather with stick) at the entrance
• The " bamboo train " Norry
• Colonial architecture
• Museum
• Tropical picturesque landscape

Sons and daughters of the town

• Kuang Abhayawongse, Prime Minister of Thailand