-
Essay / Cambodia - 702
Installed at the end of the 5th century, two groups established themselves in what is now Cambodia. Champa controlled the central and southern part of Vietnam and Funan is the southernmost part of present-day Vietnam and Cambodia. Influences from China and India were evident as dance and music spread throughout the region. Reigning alone until 1864, when the French absorbed it into French Indochina along with Laos and Vietnam. For nearly a century, the French exploited Cambodia commercially and demanded power over politics, economics, and social life. It was not until leader Norodom Sihanouk proclaimed Cambodia's independence in 1949, which was later granted in 1953. Cambodia fell into chaos in the 1970s when General Lon Nol and his ties to the Khmer Rouge plunged Cambodia in a time of genocide. For a decade, Cambodia was plunged into despair and carnage until the end of Khmer Rouge rule in 1979. The slow rebuilding of the nation began as outside countries and organizations such as the United Nations helped put Cambodia back on its feet. Plans were made for general elections by 1993 which would lead to the constitutional monarchy the country knows today. With its cyclical and oppressive history, Cambodia's future is optimistic with a rapidly growing economy thanks to industries such as tourism, textiles, petroleum and traditional agriculture. Slowly, the nation is finding its place among other powers in Southeast Asia and around the world. From 1864, when the French obtained Cambodia, problems began to surface for the Cambodians. Seeking to gain access and trade routes to China, the French began to acquire territory in open areas in Asia. The French came ready with plastic... middle of paper ...... industries include services, manufacturing and, recently, oil and natural gas, as reserves have been discovered offshore ribs. Tourism has become another industry since the end of the genocide in the 1970s. Cambodia has come a long way since the days of French rule and the disastrous Khmer Rouge regime. With 14.9 million people living relatively peaceful and prosperous lives, Cambodia still has a long way to go to join the ranks of global powers. Education has flourished in Cambodia, with most of its population being educated and pursuing even higher education. The main objective is to ensure that its entire population is literate so that they can be active in life. The government plays an active role in providing the best for its people, whether through reforms, education or elections. He makes sure to never repeat his dark past and always have a bright future..