The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia. Phnom Penh is its capital and largest city. Phnom Penh earlier ruled by Hindus and Buddhist Khmer Empire, which ruled most of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula. The native of Cambodia are called Cambodian or Khmer. The Cambodian land is strongly dominated by Mekong River and Tonle Sap. The countries bordering Cambodia are Laos to the northeast, Thailand to the west and northwest and Vietnam to the east and southeast. Gulf of Thailand is in the south of Cambodia. Cambodia is rich in oil and natural gas reserves. The two main industries on which Cambodia’s economy largely depends are tourism and garments. More than 1.7 million foreign tourists visited Cambodia in 2006.

The present day Cambodia started populating during 1st millennium AD.  The Funan and Chenla, Indianised state coalesced during 3rd, 4th and 5th centuries which is now Cambodia and Southwest Vietnam. These states shared good relations with India and China. The Khmer empire raised in Cambodia during 9th to 13th century. The power of Khmer empire gradually declined and Angkor has taken the power. Angkor Wat is a famous temple and a reminder of Cambodia’s past as a major regional power. Thai sacked Angkor after a brief series of war in 1432.

In 1863, The Thai King Norodom sought the protection of France and as a result France and Thai King signed a treaty in 1867, renouncing Suzerainty over Cambodia in exchange for the control of Battambang and Siem Reap provinces, which officially became part of Thailand. The provinces were ceded back to Cambodia by a border treaty between France and Thailand in 1906. Cambodia sustained as a territory of France from 1863 to 1953. In 1955, Sihanouk abdicated in favor of his father in order to be elected Prime Minister. As the Vietnam War progressed, Sihanouk adopted an official policy of neutrality until ousted in 1970 by a military coup led by Prime Minister General Lon Nol and Prince Sisowath Sirik Matak, while on a trip abroad.

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge reached Phnom Penh, took over power and changed the official name of the country to Democratic Kampuchea, led by Pol Pot, the socialist ruler of Cambodia. Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978. There were wars and violence between Vietnamese and Khmer Rouge till 90s. Peace efforts started in Paris in 1989, culminating two years later in October 1991 in a complete peace settlement. The United Nations was given a mandate to enforce a ceasefire, and deal with refugees and disarmament.

The government in Cambodia is Democratic Constitutional Monarchy. The King is head of the state; the Prime Minister of Cambodia is head of the government. The prime minister including other ministers in government has executive power. The Legislative power is vested in both the executive and the two chambers of parliament, the National Assembly of Cambodia and the Senate. Cambodia administration is divided into 20 provinces and 4 municipalities. These are further subdivided into districts, communes, villages and islands. Cambodia is a member country of United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, ASEAN, and WTO. Cambodia has joined inaugural East Asia Summit in 2005.

Cambodia experiences two seasons; the dry season lasts from November to April and Rainy season begins in May and lasts till October. The yearly average temperature ranges from 10 to 38 degree Celsius. The Cambodia’s economy largely depends on textile and tourism. The tourism is country’s second largest source of income. Millions of foreigners visit Cambodia every year to see places and enjoy holidays in Cambodian beaches.