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Our Country: History
Early centuriesFrom the 1st Century, Cambodia's contact with India and China meant a vibrant exchange of art, culture, ideas and religion. Then for over 500 hundred years, till the 15th Century, came the great Angkor period. A long succession of Cambodian kings ruled over an empire that completely dominated South East Asia. They left behind a stunning legacy - the temples and ancient city of Angkor, now one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Eventually the Khmer Empire fell and for the next four centuries either Thailand or Vietnam controlled Cambodia and its kings. Find out more about this time 
French RuleThe country regained stability when it came under French protection in 1863 and became part of the French Colony of Indochina in 1884. Cambodian kings were still revered by the people but had few powers under the 90 years of French rule. In 1941, the French installed 19-year-old Prince Norodom Sihanouk to Cambodia's throne. After World War Two ended in 1945, both Vietnam and Laos fought against French control. Find out more about this time 
IndependenceBy 1953, Cambodia declared independence, with King Sihanouk maximising his political power by becoming Prime Minister and handing the kingship to his father. Cambodia needed political and economic reform, which Sihanouk tried to do, but he was under many conflicting pressures. He also tried to stamp out opposition, creating resentment and destabilising the country. Find out more about this time 
Civil warIn 1970, General Lon Nol seized power from Sihanouk with United States support. The Vietnam War was then at a peak. The Americans were bombing Eastern Cambodia, to further the war against North Vietnamese communists. The bombing killed thousands of civilians and turned hundreds of thousands into refugees. The Cambodian communists, the Khmer Rouge, fought against Lon Nol and his government forces, gaining support in many rural districts. Find out more about this time 
Khmer RougeIn April 1975, the Khmer Rouge communists took control of the country and immediately evacuated the capital city, Phnom Penh. This was the start of a revolution called Year Zero. They returned to a primitive agricultural economy with no money, schools, technology or contact with the outside world. The Khmer Rouge marched everyone into the countryside and forced people to work on the land. Over the next four years the Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot, ran Cambodia as a harsh labour camp. The Khmer Rouge controlled family life and split up families so children weren't living with their parents. Up to two million people were executed or died of starvation, exhaustion and disease. Find out more about this time 
Vietnamese controlIn 1979 Vietnamese communist troops invaded Cambodia and liberated the people from the Khmer Rouge regime. The turmoil disrupted agriculture, leading to a small rice harvest. International food relief attempted to alleviate the devastating famine that followed. The Vietnamese continued to rule Cambodia as a communist country. People were organised into communal work groups to work on the land. In 1989, after a decade of rule, the Vietnamese agreed to leave Cambodia due to international economic pressure. Find out more about this time 
Democratic electionsThe United Nations set up a transitional authority to prepare Cambodia for democratic elections in 1993. After huge voter turnout, two political parties formed a coalition government with two Prime Ministers. Despite Cambodia's social and economic progress the Khmer Rouge strengthened their control in some areas of the country and continued fighting government forces. Instability and fighting within the coalition government led to Prime Minister Hun Sen taking control. He retained power in the 1998 elections, despite civil unrest. By December 1998, most remaining Khmer Rouge guerrillas had turned themselves over to the government in an amnesty. The next elections are scheduled for July 2003. Find out more about this time 
DevelopmentSince the early 1970's, aid and development organisations have been helping Cambodians through food and relief aid, refugee camps, rehabilitation, landmine clearing and community development. With help, Cambodia is gradually rebuilding its resources, but the effects of the past still impact the country today. Find out more about this time Read how Veasna and Navy's family were affected by these events
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