Which ethnic people make up about 90 percent of the population of Cambodia?

The people who form the predominant ethnic group in Cambodia trace their lineage back for more than a millennium. Making up roughly 90% of the nation's inhabitants, their language is the country's official tongue, and their culture is the foundation (Review) of Cambodia's national identity. While other groups such as the Cham, Vietnamese, and various hill tribes also call Cambodia home, the country's character is overwhelmingly defined by this majority group.

They are the direct descendants of the civilization that built the magnificent Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries. This powerful empire dominated much of mainland Southeast Asia and left behind an incredible architectural legacy. Its most famous monument, the sprawling temple complex of Angkor Wat, stands as a powerful testament to the ingenuity and spiritual devotion of their ancestors, remaining a potent symbol of the nation today.

The culture is deeply intertwined with Theravada Buddhism, which has been the country's main religion for centuries. This faith influences everything from daily social etiquette and family ceremonies to national holidays and traditional arts. This enduring connection between ethnicity, religion, and history has shaped