Urban, mainstream Cambodia is now becoming infatuated with Western materialism. The Khmer cultural fabric is woven in the countryside, not in Phnom Penh. Life in the provinces reflects the way most Khmers live. Traditional values prevail, and one witnesses none of the speed, stress, or pollution of Phnom Penh. Living in largely agrarian communities, the people plant rice and vegetables, fish in the rivers and reservoirs, and raise livestock.
Life is very simple.
It moves slowly with the seasons and revolves around family. It's doubtful that even the imminent modernization will undermine Khmer cultural integrity, the roots of which seem to remain deeply planted in the rural provinces. Looking Ahead Khmers are certainly ready for progress and visibly excited that times are changing. In both the city and countryside, there is an eagerness to learn English, since Cambodian citizens ousted the French instruction they had been receiving since colonial times. Demand for teachers is so high that some Khmers with impoverished English skills are teaching introductory classes, and no credentials are required from foreigners.