History of Cambodia in Timeline

Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a Southeast Asian nation bordering Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It features a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. Its geography is dominated by a low-lying plain, the Mekong River, and the Tonlé Sap lake. Cambodia has a tropical climate and a population of approximately 17 million people, predominantly Khmer. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, followed by Siem Reap and Battambang.

1921: First official census

In 1921, the French protectorate of Cambodia conducted its first official census.

1962: Population census

In 1962, Cambodia conducted a population census.

1970: Landmine Casualties

According to some estimates, unexploded land mines have been responsible for over 60,000 civilian deaths in Cambodia since 1970.

1975: Pchum Ben

Every year, Cambodians visit pagodas across the country to mark the Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day). For most Cambodians, it is a time to remember their relatives who died during the 1975–1979 Khmer Rouge regime.

1979: Pchum Ben

1979: Landmine Injuries

In Cambodia, landmines and exploded ordnance alone have caused 44,630 injuries between 1979 and 2013.

1987: Rail services between Phnom Penh and Battambang

In 1987, only one passenger train per week operated between Phnom Penh and Battambang.

1993: Prostitution interviews

In a series of 1993 interviews of women about prostitution, three quarters of the interviewees found being a prostitute to be a norm and a profession they felt was not shameful.

1993: Growing Use of English

Since 1993, there has been a growing use of English in Cambodia, which has been replacing French as the main foreign language.

1995: Life expectancy

In 1995, the average life expectancy in Cambodia was 55 years.

1998: Official census

In 1998, Cambodia conducted an official census after a 36-year gap due to civil conflicts and instability.

1998: Infant mortality rate

In 1998, Cambodia's infant mortality rate was 86 per 1,000 live births.

1999: National Committee for Science and Technology established

In 1999, a National Committee for Science and Technology representing 11 ministries was established in Cambodia.

2000: Fish Consumption

As of 2000, the supply of fish and fish products for food and trade was 20 kilograms (44 pounds) per person or 2 ounces per day per person.

2000: Fertility rate

In 2000, the fertility rate in Cambodia was 4.0 children per woman.

2002: English on Cambodian Currency

Since 2002, English replaced French on Cambodian currency.

2004: Road fatalities in Cambodia

In 2004, the number of road fatalities per 10,000 vehicles was ten times higher in Cambodia than in the developed world, and the number of road deaths had doubled in the preceding three years.

2005: Landmine Casualties

In 2005, there were 800 reported landmine casualties in Cambodia.

2010: Cambodian Population Demographics

As of 2010, half of the Cambodian population was younger than 22 years old, and the female to male ratio was 1.04.

2010: Policy on Research Development approved

In 2010, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports approved a Policy on Research Development in the Education Sector in Cambodia.

2011: Child labour study

In 2011, a study by Kim reported that most employed children in Cambodia are enrolled in school and their employment is associated with negative impacts on their learning outcomes, and increased drop out rates.

2013: Landmine Casualties

In 2013, the number of reported landmine casualties in Cambodia decreased to 111 (22 dead and 89 injured).

December 2014: National Science and Technology Master Plan Launched

In December 2014, Cambodia's first National Science and Technology Master Plan 2014–2020 was officially launched by the Ministry of Planning.

2017: Homicide rate

In 2017, Cambodia had a homicide rate of 2.4 per 100,000 population.

2018: Infant mortality rate

In 2018, Cambodia's infant mortality rate decreased to 24 per 1,000 live births.

2018: Record Passengers

In 2018, Cambodia's three commercial airports handled a record of 10 million passengers.

August 2019: Ban on new online gambling licenses

On 18 August 2019, Prime Minister Hun Sen signed a directive banning the Finance Ministry from issuing new online gambling licenses in Cambodia.

2019: Breweries and microbreweries in Cambodia

As of 2019, there were 12 brewpubs or microbreweries in Cambodia. Rice wine is an alcoholic drink. It is sometimes infused with fruits or medicinal herbs. When prepared with macerated fruits or spices, like the Sombai liqueur, it is called sra tram (soaked wine).