If you are considering teaching English in Cambodia, chances are you’ve been doing extensive research. Throughout this research, you will have seen references to Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Republic and the Khmer Empire. Do these different names all refer to the same place? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’.
Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Empire, and the Khmer Republic are often used interchangeably. Still, it’s important to grasp that each name represents different periods, cultural influences, and governance throughout the country’s history. Read on to learn more about the differences between Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Empire, and the Khmer Republic.
Khmer Empire
Whether you’re more familiar with the names Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Republic, or something else, the origin of this magnificent country I’ve had the good fortune to call home for the past decade is the Khmer Empire. From the 9th to the 15th centuries, the Khmer Empire sprawled across the countries we now know as Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. The Khmer Empire had political, cultural, and religious dimensions. Historians have a high opinion of the Khmer Empire, referencing, among other things, advanced irrigation systems and architectural achievements, including Angkor Wat.
History books are filled with stories of empires rising and falling, and the story of the Khmer Empire is no different. Its demise in the 15th century led to a period of political instability. Still, its rich culture, language, customs, and traditions have endured, permeating through the various phases of the country – Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Republic, and the like.
The Khmer Empire was just the beginning. Read on. Learn more about Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Empire, and the Khmer Republic.
Cambodge, Cambodia, under colonial rule
From 1863 to 1953, Cambodia was part of a French ‘protectorate’ (along with Vietnam and Laos) known as Indochina. During this period, the country was called “Cambodge” by its French colonisers. The French colonial period left an indelible influence on the country that’s still evident today, especially in its administrative systems, food choices, and architecture. If you do end up teaching English in Cambodia, make sure you find the time to visit the Central Market and the Old Post Office. You’d be hard-pressed to find better examples of French colonial architecture anywhere in the world. Both buildings are stunning. The Raffles Hotel building in central Phnom Penh is another French ‘masterpiece’ that’s well worth checking out.
Despite being 70+ years since the French packed up and left the region, the term ‘Cambodge’ is still commonly used by native French speakers when referring to Cambodia. The prevalence of the name ‘Cambodge’ signifies the enduring French influences that shaped Cambodia’s identity.
Cambodia, the nation-state we know and love
After almost a century of French occupation, with Cambodge being the common name, Cambodia emerged as a constitutional monarchy under King Norodom Sihanouk. Since then, the name ‘Cambodia’ (or ‘Kampuchea’ in Khmer) has been commonly used on the ‘world stage.’
How would I describe the Cambodia that we know and love today? An economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia where the old sits comfortably with the new. The nation’s capital city, Phnom Penh, is a hub of economic activity and cultural revival, with modern apartment and office buildings alongside historic landmarks. Since the fall of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Penh has been the epicentre of Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Republic – and the Khmer Rouge regime.
The regional city of Siem Reap, home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple, successfully blends a substantial tourism industry with people going about their everyday lives. Sihanoukville is another major regional city in Cambodia. Over the past 20 years, Sihanoukville has transformed from a gorgeous beachside location to a version of Macau with wall-to-wall casinos. In my opinion, it’s a stunning example of economic development gone wrong. ‘Each to their own,’ as the old adage goes.
Rural areas in Cambodia have also seen significant transformation over the past few decades with major infrastructure projects and better access for local people to education, healthcare, and other services that citizens in developed countries take for granted. Despite rapid development and a clear trajectory to becoming a Southeast Asian powerhouse, Cambodia remains deeply connected to its cultural heritage. The ability of Cambodian people to blend the old and new is truly something to behold. Today, Cambodia is a vibrant and diverse country with a booming economy and a cultural heritage that’s a testament to the resilience of local people.
Khmer Republic, a tumultuous chapter
Between 1970 and 1975, after a coup led by General Lon Nol, the Kingdom of Cambodia was temporarily transformed into the Khmer Republic. This unfolded during a period of political conflict on a global scale – and while a war was raging in neighbouring Vietnam (and Laos). Countries worldwide aligned themselves with superpowers. The Lon Nol Government openly expressed an anti-communist position. It began receiving substantial military and economic support from the United States of America. Many citizens of the ‘new’ Khmer Republic, especially people living in regional and rural areas, did not share the political views of General Lon Nol and his government. Unsurprisingly, civil war broke out, and in 1975, the communist Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, stormed Phnom Penh and overthrew the Lon Nol Government. What followed was an absolute tragedy not only in the history of Cambodia but in the history of humanity. It’s estimated that more than two million Cambodian people died during the Khmer Rouge period due to starvation, disease, torture, being overworked, and similar. Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge Government was overthrown by the Vietnamese military in 1979.
Following the removal of the Khmer Rouge, the Kingdom of Cambodia was reinstated, and the country has enjoyed relative stability for the past forty (plus) years. With a new, youngish Prime Minister elected in August 2023, citizens of Cambodia overwhelmingly look to the future with a sense of optimism.
Conclusion
Let me summarise what I have canvassed in this blog post.
The Khmer Empire, Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Republic, and the Khmer Empire are four names for different epochs. The origin of the country commonly referred to as Cambodge, Cambodia, and/or the Khmer Republic can be found in the Khmer Empire, which endured for over 600 years. During almost a century, Cambodia, or Cambodge as it was known then, adopted countless political and cultural French influences. The end of French occupation in 1953 heralded the emergence of Cambodia as a nation in its own right, which, following the devastation of the Khmer Rouge, re-emerged in the late 1970s.
While Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Empire, and the Khmer Republic refer to the same geographical region (+/-), they identify vastly different periods of Cambodia’s history.
About the writer: Rob Winton completed the Australian Government-accredited TESOL programme at AVSE-TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, fourteen years ago. For the past 10+ years, Rob has worked as an ESL teacher in Phnom Penh while pursuing his passion for local history, including the Khmer Empire, Cambodge, Cambodia, the Khmer Republic, and the Khmer Rouge periods.
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