Cambodia, also known as Kampuchea, is a Southeast Asian country endowed with plentiful resources, an abundance of natural beauty and a rich ancient history. Sadly, these wondrous qualities have been marred by an era, not so long ago, of unspeakable brutality and indescribable horror. In 1975, after years of French colonization, foreign invasion, and bitter civil war, the Khmer Rouge took control of the nation and led it down what is today acknowledged as one of the darker periods in world history. Since that time, the Cambodian people have labored to rebuild their devastated homeland and their shattered collective identity. Their 'war-to-peace transition' has been especially difficult, but their progress is a testament to their strength and courage.

Cambodia at a Glance

Full country name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Area: 181,035 sq km (11,224 sq mi)
Population: 10.5 million (growth rate 2.5%)
Capital city: Phnom Penh (pop one million)
People: 90-95% ethnic Khmers plus ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese
Language: Khmer, French and English
Religion: 95% Buddhist, also Muslim and animist
Chief products: Cattle, rice, rubber, cement, paper, textiles
Government: Transitional democracy
Head of state: King Norodom Sihanouk
Prime Minister: Hun Sen
Literacy: 35%
Life expectancy: 50
Map of Cambodia
National Flag

Modern History

    In 1863, France, which occupied neighboring South Vietnam, made Cambodia a protectorate. A period of relative peace followed. A peasant uprising in 1916 did little to shake national stability. During World War II, Thai and Japanese forces occupied Cambodia. Afterwards, the country moved towards independence, and finally gained it from the French in 1953. A monarchy had been established and King Norodom Sihanouk led the independent government.

    However, in 1970 Cambodia's serious troubles began. The king was overthrown by two members of his own government, the monarchy was abolished, and the legislature was dissolved. Cambodia was proclaimed an independent republic.

    With the Vietnam War raging next door, Cambodia found itself in a precarious situation. Although it had always attempted to take a neutral position in the struggle between Communist and non-Communist nations, the United States and South Vietnam were charging that the North Vietnamese had troops and supplies in Cambodia for use in the war. What ensued was a merciless, U.S.-led air assault on Communist targets within Cambodia which lasted more than 3 years. In addition, American and South Vietnamese troops entered Cambodia to flush out the Communist forces, who in turn withdrew deeper into the Cambodian interior.