November 9: Independence Day in Cambodia
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Cambodia.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
Cambodia is the modern English name for a country located in southeast Asia that borders Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It was the home of the historic Khmer Empire, which exerted significant cultural influence in the region.
Angkor Wat is a massive religious complex. Originally built in the 1100s as a Hindu temple, it transformed into a Buddhist temple over the years. It is a prominent symbol of Cambodian history, depicted on the country’s flag today.
In the 19th century, the French essentially took over the country, while allowing the Cambodian king to remain on the throne officially. Cambodia declared independence during World War II, but the French returned to power after the war.
At the same time that their neighbors in Vietnam were fighting against the French, Cambodia declared independence from France on November 9, 1953.
A leader namer Pol Pot took control in 1976 and oversaw a brutal regime. Known as the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot’s government contributed to the death of about 1.5 million people through overwork, starvation, disease, and execution. Though Vietnam intervened and removed Pol Pot from power in 1979, the Khmer Rouge was not fully defeated until 1999.
Today Cambodia is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a population of 17 million. The large majority are ethnic Khmers who speak the Khmer language. Buddhism is the official religion, though there are small minorities of Muslims and Christians.
Covering 400 acres, Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious structure in the world by land area. Photo by R.M. Nunes / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
The Cambodia Independence Monument was built in 1958 in the capital of Phnom Penh.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
