Cambodia history spans over 1500 years — from Funan, Chenla, Angkor empires, French rule, Khmer Rouge regime, to modern Kingdom of Cambodia.
Funan and Chenla (1st-8th c.)
Funan 550-802 — first Hindu state in Southeast Asia. Chenla 600-802 — first Khmer state.
Angkor Empire (802-1431)
Jayavarman II declared independence from Java 802. Founded Angkor — largest city in the world before Industrial Revolution (1 million people, 12th c.). Angkor Wat temple built by Suryavarman II 1113-1150.
Angkor Fall and Siamese Rule (1431-1863)
1431 Siamese sacked Angkor. Cambodia fell into decline. Under Siamese and Vietnamese rule.
French Rule (1863-1953)
France established protectorate 1863. King Norodom. Cambodia in French Indochina 90 years.
Independence (1953)
November 9, 1953 — King Norodom Sihanouk gained independence. Peoples Socialist Community. Cambodia neutral in Vietnam War (failed).
Khmer Rouge (1975-1979)
Lon Nol coup 1970 — Khmer Republic. Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot 3 years 8 months 20 days 1975-1979 — genocide, 2 million dead (25% of population).
Modern Cambodia (1993-present)
Independence and monarchy 1993. Hun Sen PM 1985-2023 (38 years — longest in world). Hun Manet (Hun Sen son) since 2023. 16 million. King Norodom Sihamoni since 2004.