The History of Cambodia

  • Prince Norodom Sihanouk becomes king.

  • France re-imposes its protectorate.

    A new constitution allows political parties to be formed.
  • Cambodia wins it's independence.

    Cambodia finally wins its​ independence from France.
  • Prince Norodom Sihanouk becomes prime minister.

    Sihanouk's father becomes king.
  • Sihanouk's father dies.

    Sihanouk becomes head of state.
  • Prime Minister Lon Nol overthrows Sihanouk.

  • Lon Nol is overthrown.

    Sihanouk becomes head of state once again. The country is re-named Kampuchea.
  • Sihanouk resigns, and Khieu Samphan becomes head of state.

    Pol Pot becomes prime minister. The country is re-named Democratic Kampuchea.
  • Fighting breaks out in Vietnam

  • The Vietnamese take Phnom Penh.

    Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge flee to the Thailand border.
  • Hun Sen becomes prime minister.

    Hundreds of Cambodians become refugees.
  • A peace agreement is signed in Paris.

    Sihanouk becomes head of state.
  • The Khmer Rouge put Pol Pot on trial and sentence him to life imprisonment.

  • Pol Pot dies in his jungle hideout.

  • Elections are won by Hun Sen

    Hun Sen becomes prime minister.
  • Group pledges continue campaign to overthrow Hun Sen.

  • First bridge opens that links East and West Cambodia across the Mekong River

  • Prime Minister Hun Sen is re-elected.

  • Rainsy is sentenced to 18 months in prison for absentia of defaming Hun Sen.

  • Comrade Duch is found guilty of crimes against humanity and given 35-year prison sentence.