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Kingdom of Cambodia

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Kingdom of Cambodia
Conventional long nameKingdom of Cambodia
Common nameCambodia
National motto"Nation, Religion, King"
National anthem"Nokor Reach"
CapitalPhnom Penh
Official languagesKhmer
DemonymCambodian
Government typeUnitary dominant-party parliamentary elective constitutional monarchy
Leader title1Monarch
Leader name1Norodom Sihamoni
Leader title2Prime Minister
Leader name2Hun Manet
LegislatureParliament
Upper houseSenate
Lower houseNational Assembly
Sovereignty typeFormation
Established event1Funan
Established date1c. 68–550
Established event2Chenla
Established date2550–802
Established event3Khmer Empire
Established date3802–1431
Established event4French Protectorate
Established date411 August 1863
Established event5Independence from France
Established date59 November 1953
Established event6Current constitution
Established date624 September 1993
Area km2181,035
Population estimate16,713,015
Population estimate year2023
CurrencyRiel (៛) (KHR)
Currency codeKHR
Time zoneICT
Utc offset+7
Drives onright
Calling code+855
Cctld.kh

Kingdom of Cambodia. The Kingdom of Cambodia is a nation in Mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand. Its rich history is epitomized by the Angkor Wat temple complex, a legacy of the powerful Khmer Empire. Today, it is a constitutional monarchy with Phnom Penh as its capital and vibrant center.

History

The region's early states included Funan and Chenla, precursors to the mighty Khmer Empire which dominated Southeast Asia from its capital at Angkor. Following the empire's decline, the territory became a battleground between Siam and Vietnam before becoming a French protectorate in the 19th century. Independence was regained in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk, whose rule was followed by the turmoil of the Vietnam War, the Lon Nol coup, and the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot. After Vietnamese intervention and the fall of the Democratic Kampuchea, the nation was governed by the People's Republic of Kampuchea and later the State of Cambodia, culminating in the 1991 Paris Peace Accords and the restoration of the monarchy under Norodom Sihanouk in 1993.

Government and politics

The nation is a constitutional monarchy, with the reigning monarch being King Norodom Sihamoni. Executive power is held by the Prime Minister of Cambodia, a position long dominated by Hun Sen and now held by his son, Hun Manet. The dominant political force is the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), with the main opposition historically being the Cambodian National Rescue Party, which was dissolved by the Supreme Court of Cambodia in 2017. The bicameral Parliament of Cambodia consists of the National Assembly and the Senate. Key institutions include the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Interior.

Geography

Located on the Indochinese Peninsula, it shares a long border with Vietnam to the east, Laos to the northeast, and Thailand to the west and northwest. Its southwestern coastline lies on the Gulf of Thailand. The dominant geographical feature is the Tonlé Sap lake and river system, which connects to the Mekong River that flows through the capital, Phnom Penh. Other significant rivers include the Bassac River and the Sekong River. The landscape is largely low-lying plains, with the Cardamom Mountains and the Dângrêk Mountains forming upland areas.

Economy

The economy has grown rapidly, driven by garment exports, tourism centered on Angkor Wat and coastal areas like Sihanoukville, and construction. Agriculture remains vital, with rice being the primary crop. Major infrastructure projects include the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and the Phnom Penh International Airport. The official currency is the Cambodian riel, though the United States dollar is widely used. Key economic partners include China, the United States, and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The National Bank of Cambodia oversees monetary policy.

Demographics

The vast majority of the population are ethnic Khmers. Significant minority groups include the Vietnamese, Chinese, and various Khmer Loeu hill tribes. The national language is Khmer, and the predominant religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by most citizens. Other religious communities include Muslim Chams and small groups of Christians. The population is relatively young, with a high concentration in the fertile central plains and urban centers like Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap.

Culture

Cambodian culture is deeply influenced by Theravada Buddhism and the heritage of the Angkor era. Classical dance, known as the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, and the epic Reamker are vital artistic traditions. The national symbol, Angkor Wat, appears on the national flag. Important festivals include Khmer New Year and the Bon Om Touk water festival. Khmer cuisine features staples like fermented fish paste and amok. Modern cultural figures include singer Sinn Sisamouth and filmmaker Rithy Panh. Traditional crafts include ikat weaving and silverwork, and the martial art Bokator is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.

Category:Cambodia Category:Constitutional monarchies Category:Member states of ASEAN