Cambodia

Cambodia's efforts to recover from decades of war were shattered by a military coup by one of its co-premiers and the reemergence of Pol Pot, who led the nation during the notorious "Killing Fields" period.

After years of civil war, U.N.-run elections in 1993 were designed to create a stable government: Power would be shared by two premiers, Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen.

The two men set up a power-sharing coalition and focused their attention on defeating Khmer Rouge guerrillas. But in July 1997, Hun Sen turned against his co-premier, ousting him after two bloody days of fighting. International observers condemned the takeover.

Pol Pot was being held by Khmer Rouge rebels and was sentenced to life under house arrest at a show trial, on charges stemming from the murder of his defense chief.

Others hope he will one day face international prosecution for genocide in the deaths of some 2 million Cambodians during his rule.

Land and People | History |
| Travel | Financial | Weather

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population:
10,700,000
Average life span:
53 male, 55 female
Average yearly income ($US):
$160
GDP per capita ($US):
$639
Literacy rate:
35%

THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE

Capital:
Phnom Penh
Size:
69,898 square miles (181,035 sq. km)
(Between the size of Missouri and Oklahoma)
Government type:
In transition
Political leaders:
Premier Hun Sen
Religions:
Buddhist (95%)
Languages:
Khmer (official); French

HISTORY

FINANCIAL

Monetary unit:
Riel

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CNN TRAVEL INFORMATION

CNN WEATHER INFORMATION

Forecasts:
--Phnom Penh
Forecast and satellite maps:
--Asia forecast map
--Asia satellite image