Cambodia is a country situated in Southeast Asia region and it is home to more than 17 million people. Its territory is 181 035 square kilometers. The history of Cambodia spans thousands of years, marked by a succession of kingdoms, colonialism, wars, and modernization. Below is a concise overview of its major historical periods:
Cambodia’s history dates back to prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence indicating human settlement as far back as 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. Early Cambodian society was influenced by Indian and Chinese traders, leading to the adoption of Indian religious and cultural practices.
The earliest known Cambodian kingdom, Funan (1st to 6th century), was established in the 1st century CE in the lower Mekong River region. Funan was a significant center of trade, linking India and China. Hinduism and Buddhism were introduced during this period, laying the foundation for future religious traditions in the region.
By the 6th century, the Funan kingdom declined, and Chenla (6th to 9th century), a Khmer kingdom, rose to power. Chenla was more inland and expanded its territory into present-day Laos and Thailand. However, Chenla eventually fragmented into smaller principalities.
The Khmer Empire (9th to 15th century) is the most significant and celebrated period in Cambodian history. It was founded by King Jayavarman II in 802 CE, who declared himself the universal monarch, or “Devaraja.” The empire reached its zenith under kings like Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII. During this era, the construction of the famed Angkor Wat and other temples symbolized the empire’s wealth, power, and religious devotion (mainly Hinduism and later Mahayana Buddhism). For nearly six centuries, the kings built two hundred temples as well as their sanctuaries in the area of 401 square kilometers in the Siem Reap province, called Angkor. The Angkor area homed to three ancient capitals such as Mahendraparvata (early 9th century), Hariharalaya (mid 9th century), Yasodharapura (late 9th century – 928 and 944 – 1431). Angkor, the capital, became one of the most magnificent cities in the world during this period, with advanced engineering feats such as irrigation systems and monumental architecture. However, the empire gradually declined due to internal strife, invasions by neighboring states (notably the Siamese), and environmental degradation.
Following the sack of Angkor (post-Angkor 15th century to 19th century) by the Siamese in 1431, the Khmer capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Cambodia during this period was a diminished kingdom, often caught between the more powerful Siamese (Thai) and Vietnamese empires, who vied for influence and control over Cambodian territories. The loss of autonomy was exacerbated by internal divisions among the Cambodian elite. The kingdom survived by balancing power between its more dominant neighbors, often paying tribute to both Siam and Vietnam.
In the mid-19th century, Cambodia came under French protection (1863 – 1953) to escape the pressure from Siam and Vietnam. In 1863, King Norodom signed a treaty with France, making Cambodia a French protectorate. The French sought to control Cambodia’s resources and integrate it into French Indochina, which included Vietnam and Laos. Although Cambodia retained a nominal monarchy, the French controlled most political and economic decisions. During this period, there was a resurgence of interest in Cambodia’s ancient heritage, with the rediscovery and restoration of Angkor Wat. However, Cambodian nationalism began to emerge in the 20th century, seeking independence from French rule.
Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk (the Reachea Niyum Regime from 1953 to 1970), who later abdicated the throne to enter politics, becoming prime minister and later head of state. Sihanouk pursued a policy of neutrality during the Cold War, trying to balance relations with both the communist and Western blocs. Despite his efforts, Cambodia was increasingly drawn into the Vietnam War.
In 1970, Sihanouk was ousted by a military coup led by General Lon Nol, who established the Khmer Republic (the Lon Nol Regime from 1970 to 1975) and aligned Cambodia with the United States. This period saw increased instability as the war between communist forces (including the Khmer Rouge) and Lon Nol’s government intensified.
The Khmer Rouge, a radical communist movement led by Pol Pot (1975 – 1979), captured Phnom Penh in 1975, marking the beginning of one of the most tragic periods in Cambodian history. The Khmer Rouge sought to create an agrarian utopia, forcing the entire urban population into the countryside, abolishing money, religion, and private property. Intellectuals, perceived dissidents, and ethnic minorities were targeted in a genocidal campaign. It is estimated that between 1.5 and 2 million Cambodians (about a quarter of the population) died from starvation, forced labor, execution, and disease during this period.
In 1979, Vietnam invaded Cambodia, overthrowing the Khmer Rouge and installing a pro-Vietnamese government under Heng Samrin. The Khmer Rouge retreated to the countryside and continued fighting as a guerrilla force. The country was left devastated, and recovery was slow, with Cambodia isolated from the international community. Civil war persisted throughout the 1980s, with various factions vying for control.
In 1991, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, leading to the deployment of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), tasked with restoring peace and holding elections. In 1993, the monarchy was restored with King Norodom Sihanouk, though Cambodia became a constitutional monarchy with a democratically elected government. Cambodia has made strides in rebuilding its infrastructure and economy, but concerns over authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights persist.
Today, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with King Norodom Sihamoni, the son of Sihanouk, as the ceremonial head of state. Hun Sen has maintained a firm grip on power, and his Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) dominates the political landscape. The country has made significant economic progress, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and textiles, though challenges such as poverty, corruption, and political repression remain.
There were different flags used as the national flag of Cambodia since 1863. The Cambodian flag has three stripes and the middle one is larger than the blue ones which are at the top and the bottom. However, the middle stripe is red with the Angkor Wat in the middle of the flag.
