Phnom Penh - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There's a stark divide between Buddhist Cambodians and Muslim Cambodians, with stereotypes and prejudices against the Muslim community. Since it's a homogenous population of Cambodians, many find it difficult to understand racism and ethnic prejudices. In terms of gender equality, Cambodia still has a long way to go. - Jul 2021
"Soft" discrimination against women, but expats, as always, have it easier than locals. There's some prejudice against people of color due to the culture (white skin means educated and rich, dark skin means poor peasants), and there's often suspicion towards black people because there have been some very public criminal incidents involving African nationals (mostly Nigerian) over the past several years. It's normal here for people to point out physical characteristics, including skin color, and it's not considered hurtful or rude. People will also ask questions that may seem very personal ("Are you married? Do you have children? Why not?") but it's all part of getting to know you here. - May 2017
Yes lots of sexism and gender equality issues among Cambodians. Prejudice against the Vietnamese and ethnic minorities exists. - Oct 2016
Like other Asian countries, Africans aren't treated well. They seem to allow the Mormons, Baptists, and others to do their recruitment thing all over the country. The only Catholics are the Philippinos and the down-trodden ethnic Vietnamese. - May 2015
No overt racial prejudice, to my knowledge. Cambodians don't exhibit strong religious prejudice, although I think they assume all other Cambodians are Buddhist. Men are certainly considered the head of household. Cambodians won't hesitate to stare if they see something different or odd to them. - Feb 2015
Cambodians are very friendly towards w]Westerners, especially Americans. I have heard however that some people with darker skin have a bit harder of a time here. - Aug 2013
Not that I'm aware of. - Jan 2012
Not really. - Oct 2010
No. - Feb 2008
