Cambodia

Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia (Preăh Réachéanachâk Kâmpŭchéa in Khmer), is a vibrant Southeast Asian nation renowned for its ancient temples, resilient history, and stunning natural landscapes. Nestled in the heart of Mainland Southeast Asia, it offers a blend of cultural heritage, bustling markets, and pristine beaches that draw millions of visitors annually. With a tropical climate and a population deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism, Cambodia embodies a spirit of renewal after decades of turmoil.

Cambodia’s story is one of grandeur and tragedy. It traces back to ancient Funan and Chenla kingdoms, peaking with the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), which built the majestic Angkor complex—the world’s largest pre-industrial city. The empire declined due to invasions and environmental shifts, leading to centuries under Thai and Vietnamese influence. France colonized it in 1863, granting independence in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk. The 1970s brought horror with the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), led by Pol Pot, which killed up to 2 million through genocide and famine. Vietnamese intervention ended it, followed by UN-brokered peace in 1991 and elections in 1993. Today, under Prime Minister Hun Manet (son of long-time leader Hun Sen), Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy pursuing economic growth amid ongoing challenges like corruption and human rights