From the 1st to the 6th centuries, Cambodia called the Kingdom of Funan. Modern Khmer customs and language, as well as the national political institutions, culture and art, evolved from this time.

The Angkorian era began in the 9th century and transformed the Kingdom into a major artistic, religious, and military power. This era produced a succession of powerful kings who presided over an empire that covered much of present-day Southeast Asia, stretching from Myanmar to the South China Sea and north to Laos. During this golden age, Khmer kings built extensive ornate temples, including the spectacular Angkor Wat. Angkor become the capital of a great kingdom and the centre of education, religion and commerce until the late 13 th century, when it was invaded and ravaged. Angkor was abandoned, and the Khmers were plagued by dynastic rivalries and warfare with the Thais for the next century and a half.

In 1863, King Norodom signed a treaty of protectorate agreement that resulted in Cambodia being placed under French rule for the next 90 years. In 1941, Preah Bat Norodom Sihanouk came to the throne. During World War II, in 1945, the Japanese ousted the French, and King Sihanouk took control of the country, proclaiming independence in 1953. King Sihanouk became the head of state, and dominated national politics for the following 15 years before being overthrown by the army in 1970.

In 1969, the United States, aiming to eradicate Vietnamese communist forces, bombed suspected communist base camps in Cambodian. in 1970, along with South Vietnamese troops, the US invaded Cambodia. Cambodia became deeply involved in the war, fighting mainly aganst the Communist Khmer military faction, the Khmer Rouge. Under Pol Pot's leadership, the Khmer Rouge took over the government in 1975.

The Khmer Rouge unleashed a reign of terror, turning the population into slave labourers and systematically torturing and killing an estimated 2 million people (targeting the educated in particular). In 1979, The People's Republic of Kampuchea, supported by Vietnamese, liberated the capital. This presented the opportunity for the country to become re-established once again. The Vietnamese assisted in rebuilding the economy until 1989, when they withdrew from Cambodia. In 1993, the United Nations administered elections that led to King Sihanouk being reinstated as monarch. A second general election was held in July 1998, making Hun Sen the leader of Cambodia. Today, Cambodia operates as a constitutional monarchy, with His Majesty Samdech Preah Barom Neat Norodom Sihakmony, King and Head of State, H.E. Samdech Chea Sim, President of the Senate, H.R.H Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh, President of National Assembly and H.E. Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister.

Once again, Cambodia is a peaceful country, "the Golden Land", and a trove of tourist attractions. Foreign investment has begun to pour in together with the ever-increasing flood of visitors.