Kingdom of Cambodia
Cambodia, 1993 to today. Draft, not yet reviewed
By 1993 a United Nations peacekeeping mission had restored Cambodia's monarchy, and established a new democratic constitution with elections. The 1997 coup d'état consolidated power under Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian People's Party. Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy and a de jure multi-party state, although the CPP dominates the political system and rules the country as a de facto one-party state. Agriculture remains its dominant economic sector, with growth in textiles, construction, garments, and tourism leading to increased foreign investment and international trade.
Seat of power: Phnom Penh
Rulers
Norodom Sihanouk
King of Cambodia, 1993–2004
The UNTAC organized the general elections in 1993, and a coalition government, jointly led by his son Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen, was subsequently formed. Sihanouk was reinstated as Cambodia's king. He abdicated again in 2004, and the Royal Council of the Throne chose his son Norodom Sihamoni as his successor.
Portrait of Norodom Sihanouk: (unknown, Abaca Press claims ownership but claim is doubtful), Public domain, file
Norodom Sihamoni
King of Cambodia, 2004 to today
He ascended to the throne on 14 October 2004, a week after the abdication of his father, Norodom Sihanouk. He is the eldest son of King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath. During his reign, Sihamoni has continued his cultural advocacy while supporting various philanthropic initiatives.
Portrait of Norodom Sihamoni: Prime Minister's Office, GODL-India, file
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Culture
- Over 600 years, the Khmer Empire facilitated the spread of first Hinduism and then Buddhism across Southeast Asia and undertook vast infrastructural projects throughout the region, the most famous of which is Angkor Wat.
- A majority of its population adhere to Buddhism, with Islam & Christianity having a minor presence.
- The capital earned the nickname the Pearl of Asia for its colonial French, New Khmer and Art Deco architecture.
Picture
Phnom Penh is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia, at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers.
Image: Looppty, CC BY-SA 4.0, file
Sources
Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.