| Ratanakiri |
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Information AboutRatanakiri |
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Lake]] waterfall]] Ratanakiri is a Province in Northeastern Cambodia . Its capital in Banlung . The word "Ratanakiri" is a derivative of two Cambodian words, combined to mean "place of gems and mountains." The word comes from the Sanskrit words ''Ratna'' (gem) and ''giri'' (mountain). Its capital, Banlung , is located in the central highlands of the province, approximately 365 miles (586 kilometers) from Phnom Penh . Lomphat, a small town in the southern plains, is the former capital of Ratanakiri. The province is a popular destination for thousands of tourist every year. Ecotourism abounds, due to lush wildlife and remote tribal villages. Most of the inhabitants of Ratanakiri are indigenous minorities. Ethnic Cambodians make up only 10-20% of the total population. The province is subdivided into 9 districts.
ECONOMY The vast majority of the indigenous peoples of Ratanakiri are Subsistence Farmers , planting rice, corn, and pumpkins. Some grow an additional cash crop such as peanuts or cashews. A number of wealthy Cambodians and Vietnamese own large plantations surrounding the capital of Banlung. Most plant peanuts, coffee, or cashews. Additionally, Ratanakiri boasts hundreds of square miles of rubber plantations. Much rubber is exported to Vietnam . Gem mines in the South and West of the province are important sources of income, as well as a draw for tourists and miners. Ratanakiri is famous for its Blue Zircons and its fine Amethyst s. Much trade with the neighboring country of Vietnam takes place along the Cambodian National Highway 19, which runs through the center of the capital of Banlung. Tourism, however, is rapidly becoming the premier means of economic growth. Banlung has more than four hotels and countless guesthouses, and many restaurants and shops have been established to cater to the recent influx of large numbers of tourists. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS The two main draws that bring tourists to Ratanakiri are its indigenous people groups and its wildlife. The province is home to five main ethnic minority groups, the Tampuan , Krung , Jarai , Kachok , and Brao/Kavet . Their tribal lifestyle and village culture are a popular attraction to tourists from Europe and the United States . Yak Loum lake is another popular tourist destination in Ratanakiri. Located approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from the town center, the beautiful lake is the caldera of a large volcanic crater. Due to the lake’s tremendous depth (157 feet/48 meters), its water is exceptionally clean and clear. The lake is almost perfectly round and measures .45 of a mile (.75 kilometer) in diameter. Large trees and rich, lush rainforest, the home of many parrots and other exotic birds, surround the lake. TOWNS Besides the capital of Banlung, Ratanakiri has two other major towns.
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