Cambodia - Expo Osaka 1970
Cambodia, the land of the "Khmeres", is a land of high tourism, a country with incalculable archaeological riches. Covering an area of 181,000 square kilometres, Cambodia has a population of 8 million people. The majority of the rural areas live on a vast plain covered with rice fields irrigated by the Mekong River and its tributaries and the Tonle Sap.
Located in the southeast heart of Asia, and at the bifurcation of Indian and Chinese civilizations, Cambodia has retained its individuality. The past glories of Khmer civilisation have left their own testimony of masterpieces such as the famous temples of Angkor, whose spirit can still be found in modern monuments such as the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and in traditional festivals and dances.
The Cambodian pavilion at Expo'70, reflecting traditional Khmer architecture, was designed under the direction of the Head of State of Cambodia, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, and executed by Khmer architects Uk Someth and Soum Samkol under the supervision of Commissioner General Vandy Khek. As for the materials and accessories of the pavilion, both inside and outside, the decorations were designed after the originals at Angkor Wat.
Visitors to the pavilion can view a model of Angkor Wat and attend many artistic events where they can admire the evolution of the "Apsaras", or the dancers of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. The Khmer classical dance is known all over the world, the dancers, richly dressed in silver and gold embroidered silk, present the Indo-Khmer legends from the Ramayana to the traditional music.