Flying Dragon - Cambodia

The Cambodian flag is the only national flag incorporating a building into its design. Ankor Wat is spread over 200 hectares and is the largest temple structure in the world. It is constructed from sandstone blocks and was built from 1113 to 1150. The structure has been in continuous use since its completion.

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Draco volans - The flying dragon is an arboreal lizard and can be found in the rainforests of India and Southeast Asia. The lizard does not have the ability to fly, but can achieve gliding distances of 8 meters by spreading skin flaps attached to elongated ribs acting as struts. This ability to glide from tree to tree is not a means of escaping predators, but an easier method for moving from one feeding area to another. When threatened, the lizard will extend the skin flaps and puff out its bright yellow dewlap to appear larger.

Greater Adjutant - Cambodia

Leptoptilos dubius - The greater adjutant once roamed throughout Asia, but is now limited to Cambodia and India. The adjutant has a distinctive pouch hanging from its throat. This pouch is not used for storing food; it is not connected to the digestive tract. The neck pouch can be inflated and  used during courtship displays. The greater adjutant is monogamous for each breeding season, but does not pair for life. Both parents share in the task of building the nest and feeding the hatchlings.

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Jayavarman II, the founder of the Khmer Kingdom, reigned from 802 to 850. The kingdom existed for over 600 years and was the most powerful state in the region, exerting its influence throughout Southeast Asia. The Khmer Kingdom eventually succumbed to the Siamese Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Cambodia was then divided and ruled as a vassal state by its neighbors. In 1863, Cambodia fell to French colonial rule lasting for almost 100 years. Cambodia became independent in 1953.