The fate of Cambodia shocked the world when the radical communist Khmer Rouge under their leader Pol Pot seized power in 1975 after years of guerrilla warfare.

An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians died during the next three years, many from exhaustion or starvation. Others were tortured and executed.

Today, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world and relies heavily on aid. Foreign donors have urged the government to clamp down on pervasive corruption.

• Full name: Kingdom of Cambodia
• Population: 15 million (UN, 2010)
• Capital and largest city: Phnom Penh
• Area: 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq miles)
• Major language: Khmer
• Major religion: Buddhism
• Life expectancy: 61 years (men), 65 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 riel = 100 sen
• Main exports: Clothing, timber, rubber
• GNI per capita: US $650 (World Bank, 2009)
• Internet domain: .kh
• International dialling code: +855