Before its current official designation as "Cambodia" (since 1993), the nation has been known by several official names throughout its modern history. These names reflect different political periods and governments.
Historical Official Names of Cambodia
The country has undergone various name changes, particularly in the period following its independence. The names that preceded the current official name "Cambodia" (which has been in use since 1993) include:
- Democratic Kampuchea
- People's Republic of Kampuchea
- State of Cambodia
Each name corresponds to a distinct era in Cambodian history, reflecting significant political shifts and governing ideologies.
Chronology of Official Names
The table below outlines the official names of Cambodia, along with their respective periods of use:
| English Name | Khmer Name | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Kampuchea | កម្ពុជាប្រជាធិបតេយ្យ | 1976–1979 |
| People's Republic of Kampuchea | សាធារណរដ្ឋប្រជាមានិតកម្ពុជា | 1979–1989 |
| State of Cambodia | រដ្ឋកម្ពុជា | 1989–1993 |
| Cambodia | ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា | 1993–present |
This succession of names highlights the dynamic political landscape Cambodia has experienced over the past few decades.
