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Cambodia
Quick Overview:
Once upon a time, almost 2 millennia ago, a powerful people known as the Khmer ruled over much of present-day Southeast Asia, including parts of what is now eastern Thailand, southern Vietnam, and Laos. Theirs was a kingdom that seems to have been created in a dream, full of wondrous temples, magnificent cities rising from steamy jungles, and glorious gods. After fighting many wars of attrition through the ages, however, the Khmer kingdom's size was chiseled away considerably. Remaining is what we know today as Cambodia, a tiny land half the size of Germany And the name Cambodia hardly evokes thoughts of ancient glories. To those of us born in the late 20th century, especially in the West, Cambodia suggests instead a history of oppression, civil war, genocide, drug running, and coups d'état. Constant political turbulence and the presence of gun-toting rebels, bandits, land mines, and unexploded bombs have given the country a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous places to travel, rather than a repository of man-made and natural wonders. Yet Cambodia's beauty and history are still there to be explored. First and foremost there is Angkor Wat, a monumental Hindu temple breathtaking both in beauty and historical significance. It is but a part of the former lost city of Angkor, which tells the story of a civilization in its crumbling roads, buildings, and ornate bas-reliefs that decorate hundreds of feet of crumbling temple walls. There is Phnom Penh, the capital, tatty but charming, with crumbling French colonial architecture and a splendid palace. Cambodia is also resplendent with natural gifts; the Mekong River winds its way down from Laos to almost bisect the country vertically. Its Tonle Sap, or Great Lake, is Southeast Asia's largest lake and is surrounded by fertile lowlands. White-sand beaches line its southwest coast. The Cambodian people of today have their own rich culture. Eighty-five percent of the population is Khmer, with the remaining 15% Vietnamese and Chinese. Oddly, given their horrific history, Cambodians are strongly religious; 95% of the population of 11.5 million are Theravadan Buddhists, Buddhism having taken over as the country's dominant religion at the beginning of the 13th century. (A Hindu-Buddhist mix predominated previously.) These days, it looks as if Cambodia's assets may finally be able to get their due attention. Since the formation of a new coalition government in November of 1998, relative peace has descended. Tour groups are coming back, as are independent travelers, though both usually follow a circumscribed itinerary.
Geography:
While no one knows exactly how long people live in what is now called Cambodia, it is believed that the first settlement of Cambodians began long ago before 4200 B.C. These early people are believed to come from India, China and Southeast Asia. Very little is known about daily life of prehistoric Cambodians: for example diet containing a great deal of fish, houses was raises above the ground accessible by ladder as can seen in what is northeast Cambodia; growing rice and; root-crops by so-called slash-and burn method. In the 1st century A.D. these inhabitants formed the first Cambodian civilization known as Funan as a result of Indianized cults, during which Cambodia had for the first time its comprehensive administrative structure, coherent written languages as Khmer and Sangkrit. No doubt, indianisation had profound effect on cultures and belief of Funan's Cambodians. Funan lasted until the 6th century, which thereafter another sate called Chenla from which Cambodia take its name, existed with aggressive growth and eventually absorbed Funan. In the 7th century (667) after the death of King Jayavarman I, Chenla split into two parts: Water Chenla whose land lies in what is now South Cambodia and Land Chenla whose land lies around Tonle Sap and Upper Mekong River. Javanese invaders took over Water Chenla, then members of Chenla court were taken to Java. King Jayavarman II (802-850) returned from Java and took power, and started to build his capital, from which Angkor period was inaugurated. Angkorian Kings had continued aggressive construction of temples after King Jayavarman II until the death of the last and great Angkorian King Jayavarman VII (1181-1201), who built most of Angkor temples and well respected for his defense against invasion by neighbor, particularly Chams/Muslims who then inhabited in what is now called South Vietnam. The death of King Jayavarman VII marked the fall of Angkor, which then Cambodia suffered series of historical tragedy for nearly 700 years due to war between its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, and due to internal conflicts between the royal courts. The heavy looting of Angkor were obvious, and Cambodian land has been torn between. July 1863, France forced King Norodom to sign a treaty putting Cambodiaunder French protectorate, which eventually made a total colony. France ruled Cambodia for nearly 100 years, during which Cambodians were unhappy due to several reasons, especially application of citizen taxes. This had caused revolution throughout led by royal courts but the attempts were unsuccessful. During World War II (1945), Japanese troops entered Cambodia, then France was temporarily driven way. Japan presence was not long due to its defeat in World War II, which was then seen the return of France. At last, King Norodom Sihanouk, who was crowned King by France in 1941, was able to gain independence from France on November 9, 1953. King Sihanouk then abdicated in 1955 in favor of heading political party Sangkum Reastr Niyum which he founded toward national reconciliation. His father was named the king in stead. Winning national elections, King Sihanouk took power and led the country toward success at its peak surpassing other nations in Southeast Asia at the time for nearly 20 years. In March 1970, King Sihanouk was deposed by Gen Lon Nol who was backed by Americans. Monarchy was then abolished, replaced with republic. Civil War has begun thereafter which has lasted up to present for nearly 40 years. In April 1975, the Khmer Rouges founded by Pol Pot took power. Cambodia had gone through an era of darkness, a nightmare of the Killing Fields which is equally defined as genocide. The Khmer Rouges shut off relationship with the world and the nation's infrastructure was totally ruined. Nearly three millions of Cambodians were killed, and the rest were on brink of extinction. In January 1979, Cambodia were liberated from the rule of the Khmer Rouges, who has been since pushed into the jungles. This victory, which is by no means putting an end of civil war, was possible with the help from Vietnam, who then installed Cambodia's puppet government fighting against the Khmer Rouges who joined its allies led King Norodom Sihanouk along Cambodian-Thai borders. In 1991, All factions under pressure from the international community agreed to sign peace agreement known Paris Peace Accords which temporarily put an end to civil war. In 1993, general elections was held under supervision and administration of the United Nations, whereby a new coalition government led by two prime ministers Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Mr.Hun Sen, were formed. Sihanouk was reinstated as King in form of constitutional monarchy. The new coalition government ceased in 1997 after a armed confrontation, which resulted in disposal of Prince Norodom Ranariddh and that civil war has been renewed. This prompted the United States to put Cambodian seat at the United Nations vacant, awaiting the result of new national elections to be held in July 26, 1998
Related Links:
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News Cambodia News Net Cambodia Post |
Offical Sites Embassy of Cambodia |
Country Guides Cambodia Travel Guide Travel Guide on Cambodia |
Education Ministry of Education |