Battambang

Battambang was established as a fishing village in the 11th century, centered around the Sangkae River. In 1795, Siam (modern-day Thailand) annexed much of northwestern Cambodia into the province of Inner Cambodia. The Siamese ruled Battambang as a provincial capital through the Abhaiwongse family. By 1880, Battambang had emerged as an important trading city inhabited by around 2,500 residents, with the river acting as the main transportation link to Phnom Penh and Saigon. Under Thai rule, only one road was built in the city, with housing emerging on both sides of it. Other landmarks constructed included a fort where the governor resided, a market, several pagodas, and a Catholic hospital. In 1907, Battambang province was ceded to France to be reunited with Cambodia as part of French Indochina. …

Battambang has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen: Aw). The city is vulnerable to climate change impacts such as extreme heat and flooding.

Battambang is a hub for Cambodian art, music, and culture, with many famous artists and singers born or based in the city. The Khmer Rouge era led to the persecution or disappearance of many prominent artists and musicians as well as a decline in the arts scene, but efforts have been made to revitalize it post-conflict. Battambang features art galleries and workshops exhibiting local artists and sculptors. The cultural non-governmental organization Phare Ponleu Selpak, which provides free arts education and training to young, disadvantaged people, is based in Battambang and also coordinates a contemporary circus. Battambang hosts the annual, three-day Chumnor Arts Festival, with creative workshops and performances. Battambang Provincial Museum was built in 1968 and features art as well as cultural and archaeological artefacts. …