French language in Cambodia language of Cambodia. Communities of returned refugees from France and Quebec as well as students who have studied in Francophone nations have also added to the French-speaking population of Cambodia. Cambodia has a large 'French Belt' running through some of its eastern provinces. Western Mondulkiri Province, central Kratié Province and eastern Tboung Khmum Province have a French language medium, often taking priority over the native Khmer language. Schools, offices and government institutions use the French language in this area, due to its colonial influence during the French Protectorate of Cambodia period of time. Cambodian French vocabulary has been influenced by
Official language Official language An official language is a language given a special legal status in a particular country, state, or other jurisdiction. Typically a country's official language refers to the language used within government (judiciary, legislature, administration). Since "the means of expression of a people cannot be changed by any law", the term "official language" does not typically refer to the language used by a people or country, but by its government. About half the countries of the world have declared one or more official languages. The government of Italy officialised Italian only in 1999, and some nations (such as the