Chinese
| Chinese in Cambodia | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linguistic Group | percent | |||
| Teochew | 60% | |||
| Cantonese | 20% | |||
| Hokkien | 7% | |||
| Hainanese | 4% | |||
| Hakka | 4% | |||
| Other groups | 5% | |||
The Chinese, approximately 1% of the population, are one of the largest and most visible ethnic minorities in Cambodia with about 1,180,000 living in Cambodia. Most Chinese are descended from 18th–19th century settlers who came in search of trade and commerce opportunities. Most are urban dwellers, engaged primarily in commerce.
The Chinese in Cambodia belong to five major linguistic groups, the largest of which is the Teochiu accounting for about 60%, followed by the Cantonese (20%), the Hokkien (7%), and the Hakka and the Hainanese (4% each).
Intermarriage between the Chinese and Khmers has been common, in which case they would often assimilate into mainstream Khmer society, retaining few Chinese customs. Much of the Chinese population dwindled under Pol Pot during the Cambodian Civil War. The Chinese were not specifically targets for extermination, but suffered the same brutal treatment faced by the ethnic Khmers during the period. The Chinese are the fastest growing ethnic group in Cambodia.
Read more about this topic: Ethnic Groups In Cambodia