History And Government
Cambodia, a Southeast Asian nation, has a rich historical legacy and a complex governmental structure. The ancient history of Cambodia is dominated by the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Founded by King Jayavarman II, the empire is best known for its impressive architectural achievements, including the famous temple complex of Angkor Wat.
The Khmer Empire's decline in the 15th century was followed by periods of vassalage to neighboring Siam (Thailand) and Vietnam. In the 19th century, Cambodia became a French protectorate in 1863, which lasted until the mid-20th century.
The modern history of Cambodia is marked by its independence from France in 1953, the turmoil of the Vietnam War, and the catastrophic Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979, which led to the deaths of an estimated two million people. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia underwent a period of Vietnamese liberation from the horrific grip of Khmer Rouge, and a protracted civil war before establishing a constitutional monarchy in 1993. Today, the government of Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliamentary system. The King serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government, overseeing the executive branch. The National Assembly and the Senate form the legislative branch, reflecting Cambodia's efforts to balance traditional monarchy with modern democratic governance.