A Brief History of Cambodia
In the Heart of Southeast Asia
Cambodia is a country with a long and rich history stretching back thousands of years. It is best known for the ancient Khmer Empire, which ruled much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The empire’s capital was Angkor, near modern-day Siem Reap, and it is here that one of the world’s most famous religious monuments, Angkor Wat, was built. This incredible temple complex, the largest in the world, remains a symbol of Cambodian pride and is featured on the national flag.
After the fall of the Khmer Empire, Cambodia experienced centuries of foreign influence and regional conflict. In the 19th century, Cambodia became a French protectorate and was part of French Indochina until gaining independence in 1953.
Tragically, Cambodia suffered greatly during the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot. During this time, nearly two million people, about a quarter of the population, died due to forced labor, starvation, and violence. It was one of the darkest periods in the country's history.
Since the 1990s, Cambodia has worked hard to rebuild. Today, it is a young and hopeful nation. Education, tourism, and agriculture are key parts of the country's future, and places like Sambour Primary School are helping the next generation of Cambodians learn, grow, and thrive.
Challenges Facing Cambodia
Today
Poverty, Environmental Change, Human Trafficking
While Cambodia has made significant progress in education, health, and economic development, the country continues to face serious challenges that affect the daily lives of many of its people.
Poverty remains widespread, especially in rural areas where most Cambodians live. Many families rely on farming or informal labor to survive, and access to clean water, stable income, and medical care can be limited. Although the country’s economy has grown in recent years, wealth is not evenly distributed, and many children still face obstacles to completing their education.
Environmental change also threatens Cambodia’s future. Deforestation, climate change, and water pollution are major concerns. Forests are being cleared for logging and farming, rivers are being dammed or polluted, and changing weather patterns, such as longer dry seasons and unpredictable rains, make it harder for farmers to grow crops. These issues not only affect the environment, but also the food security and health of communities.
One of the most painful challenges Cambodia faces is human trafficking. Vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, can be tricked or forced into unsafe labor or exploitative situations, often under the promise of jobs or education. Poverty, lack of job opportunities, and limited legal protections make it easier for traffickers to operate. The Cambodian government, along with international organizations and local communities, is working to raise awareness, strengthen laws, and support victims, but the problem remains deeply rooted.
At places like Sambour Primary School, education is part of the solution. By helping children gain knowledge, confidence, and critical skills, schools give the next generation the tools they need to build a safer, more sustainable future; for themselves and for Cambodia.