THE CITY OF PHNOM PENH - PART 1 - SAND AND THE CITY

This is the opening part of a 3-part series on the city of Phnom Penh -the capital of Cambodia. This unit can be used to recognise aspects of urban growth which most world cities encounter as a consequence of a growing population. The role of sand is signiificant for Phnom Penh’s expansion because it is the material which has formed the infilling foundation of the shallow lakes and swamps around the perimter of the sprawling city. A more comprehensive understanding of this city can be gained by linking this unit with the following units on the city’s origin, growth, decline and recovery (history) and the role of Pol Pot (Khmer Rouge) years. The attachment provides opportunity for student activity.