History of Cambodia

Cambodia's history is marked by the rise and fall of powerful empires, particularly the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th centuries), known for its magnificent temples like Angkor Wat. Following centuries of regional conflicts and colonial rule by France (1863-1953), Cambodia faced civil war. The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, took power in 1975, resulting in a brutal regime that caused the deaths of approximately 1.7 million people. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Cambodia began rebuilding and transitioned to a constitutional monarchy, facing ongoing challenges but now enjoying increased stability and growth.