Cambodia, country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand. It has a rich cultural history, with roots dating back to the ancient Khmer Empire, which flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries and built the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, one of the largest religious monuments in the world. The name "Cambodia" is derived from *Kambuja*, an ancient kingdom in the region. After centuries of kingdom rule and colonization by the French in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cambodia gained independence in 1953. The country experienced tragic periods during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, under which millions of people perished. Today, Cambodia is known for its vibrant culture, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes, including lush jungles and the Mekong River. The capital is Phnom Penh.