Sejarah dan Fakta Negara Kamboja, Negeri Kedamaian dan Kemakmuran

Summary

Cambodia, once a prosperous center of civilization in the 12th century, experienced a tragic downfall due to civil wars and the Khmer Rouge regime, leading to millions of deaths. The country, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, is predominantly Buddhist and has a population of around 15 million. Historically, it has faced numerous invasions, from the Funan and Chenla kingdoms to the Khmer Empire’s decline. Despite turmoil, Cambodia gained independence in 1953 and, after years of conflict, found peace in the early '90s. Today, Cambodia is a growing economy with strong textile and tourism industries, but still grapples with its painful past.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cambodia, meaning 'land of peace and prosperity', was a center of civilization in the 12th century.
• 😀 The Khmer Empire, with its capital in Angkor, was the largest empire in Southeast Asia during the 12th century.
• 😀 Cambodia faced a difficult period in history with the Khmer Rouge regime, leading to a genocide that killed 2-3 million people.
• 😀 Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with a population of about 15 million.
• 😀 The majority of Cambodians (97%) practice Theravada Buddhism, the oldest form of Buddhism, prevalent in Southeast Asia.
• 😀 Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is also the country's largest city and its political, economic, and cultural hub.
• 😀 Cambodia's economy is classified as middle to lower income, with textile and tourism industries being major contributors.
• 😀 The ancient Kingdom of Funan was the first organized kingdom in Cambodia, with a strong influence on food production and city development.
• 😀 The Chenla kingdom, which later became the Khmer Empire, was influenced by the Shailendra dynasty from Java in the 8th century.
• 😀 Cambodia gained independence from France on November 9, 1953, after being a French protectorate since 1867.
• 😀 The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, but due to its low value, the US dollar is widely used in daily transactions.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the word 'Kampuchea'?

The word 'Kampuchea' is derived from Sanskrit and means 'the land of peace and prosperity'.

What was Cambodia's status in the 12th century?

In the 12th century, Cambodia reached its heyday and became the center of civilization, evidenced by historical heritage sites still present today.

How was Cambodia affected by civil war and political turmoil?

Cambodia experienced a civil war and a devastating massacre under a government regime, leading to the loss of millions of lives due to power struggles.

Why was Cambodia referred to as 'Hell on Earth'?

The term 'Hell on Earth' was used due to the severe suffering and mass deaths during the Khmer Rouge regime, where millions of people were killed.

What is the majority religion in Cambodia?

The majority of Cambodia's population, around 97%, follows Theravada Buddhism, which is the oldest form of Buddhism.

What is the capital and largest city of Cambodia?

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It is also the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.

What industries are the largest contributors to Cambodia's economy?

The garment or textile industry is the largest contributor to Cambodia's economy, accounting for around 80% of the country's income. The tourism industry is the second largest contributor.

What was the Kingdom of Funan, and when did it exist?

The Kingdom of Funan, located in the Mekong Delta region, was the first organized kingdom in Cambodia and Vietnam, existing from the 1st century BC to the 6th century AD.

What caused the downfall of the Khmer Empire?

The downfall of the Khmer Empire in the 14th century was caused by a combination of factors, including religious conversion, internal power struggles, foreign invasions, and ecological disorders.

How did Cambodia gain independence from France?

Cambodia gained independence from France on November 9, 1953, after King Norodom Sihanouk successfully negotiated for the country to be free from French rule.

What happened during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s?

During the Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, Cambodia experienced mass executions, forced labor, and a rejection of modern medicine. The regime's policies led to the deaths of around 2 to 3 million people.

What role did Vietnam play in ending the Khmer Rouge regime?

In 1978, Vietnam invaded Cambodia to stop the genocide caused by the Khmer Rouge, leading to the eventual end of their rule.

What is the official language of Cambodia?

The official language of Cambodia is Khmer.

What is the significance of Cambodia's flag?

Cambodia's flag is the only national flag in the world that features an image of a building, specifically Angkor Wat, the famous temple complex.

What is unique about how Cambodians celebrate birthdays?

In Cambodia, birthdays are not commonly celebrated, and many elderly people do not know their exact date of birth.