Tourist Information about Cambodia

Cambodia is an independent kingdom on Southeastern Asia and the smallest of the states formed from the former French territory of Indochina. Its official name is Preahreachanachak Kampuchea, meaning the Kingdom of Cambodia. However, it is also known by two names in the Khmer language - the official language of Cambodia. The name used for formal occasions like political speeches is Prateh Kampuchea, literally meaning country Cambodia. Srok Khmae, with the literal meaning Land Khmer, on the other hand, is its informal name, and used in ordinary conversation or familiar writing.

Cambodia's beginnings can be traced back to the time the Khmer established a kingdom in what is now Southern Cambodia in the 6th century A.D. The Angkor Area became the center of the Kingdom. This was where the famous temple cities, Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom were built. The Khmer Empire reach the height of its power when it included parts of Thailand (formerly Siam), Laos and South Vietnam. When Angkor Thom fell to raiders from Siam, the Khmer abandoned it and made Phnom Penh their new capital. Continuously threatened by the Siamese and Vietnamese, the King of Cambodia placed his country under French protection. Cambodia was made part of the Union of Indochina in 1887.

Cambodia declared its independence during World War II while under Japanese protection but French authority was subsequently reestablished. It was King Norodom Sihanouk who gave Cambodia a constitution, thereby ending the prevailing absolute monarchy. Cambodia withdrew from the union in 1953 and the country became completely independent. Since gaining independence, it assumed a neutral position in world affairs especially during the conflict between North and South Vietnam. Numerous border incidents caused tension between Cambodia and the known US Allies, Thailand and South Vietnam. Cambodia became dissatisfied with the US policy in the area and renounced US aid in 1963. In 1970, the US under the Nixon administration conducted bombing raids in Cambodia to destroy Communist bases. The 1970s thru the1980s was characterized by much agitation and confusion. From a military coup d 'etat, a civil war and the horror of the Khmer Rouge regime headed by Pol Pot, Cambodia seeks to rebuild itself.

Peace and stability for Cambodia finally came after the elections administered by the United Nations in the early 1990s. It is now a constitutional monarchy headed by the King, who reigns but does not govern. It is the Prime Minister who holds the executive power.

Although still reeling from the effects of a long period of conflict, efforts are geared towards revival of the beautiful traditions and culture to support tourism, which is Cambodia's fastest growing industry today.