The former name for Cambodia is ‘Kampuchea’. This name is derived from the Khmer language and reflects the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The term ‘Kampuchea’ has been used in various contexts throughout Cambodia’s history, especially during the period of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s when the regime officially adopted the name Democratic Kampuchea.
Throughout the years, Cambodia has undergone several name changes, but ‘Kampuchea’ remains significant as it symbolizes the national identity of the Cambodian people. Today, the official name of the country is the Kingdom of Cambodia, but many still reference its former name with pride.