Democratic Kampuchea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kampuchea (1975–1976) កម្ពុជា  (Khmer) Kâmpŭchéa  (Khmer) Democratic Kampuchea (1976–1979) កម្ពុជាប្រជាធិបតេយ្យ  (Khmer) Kâmpŭchéa Prâcheathippadey  (Khmer)
1975–1979
Flag (1976–79) National Emblem (1975–79)
Anthem: Dap Prampi Mesa Chokchey ដប់ប្រាំពីរមេសាមហាជោគជ័យ "Great Victorious Seventeenth of April"
Location of Democratic Kampuchea
Capital	Phnom Penh
Common languages	Khmer
Government	Unitary Marxist-Leninist one-party socialist republic under a totalitarian dictatorship
Party General Secretary
• 1976–1979	Pol Pot
President of the State Presidium
• 1975–1976	Norodom Sihanouk
• 1976–1979	Khieu Samphan
Prime Minister
• 1976–1979	Pol Pot
• 1976	Nuon Chea (interim)
Legislature	People's Representative Assembly
Historical era	Cold War
• Fall of Phnom Penh	17 April 1975
• Proclamation	15 January 1976
• Vietnamese invasion	7 January 1979
• Establishment of the CGDK	22 June 1982
Area
181,035 km2 (69,898 sq mi)
Currency	None as money was abolished
Driving side	right
Calling code	855
Preceded by Succeeded by Khmer Republic People's Republic of Kampuchea Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea
Today part of	Cambodia

Democratic Kampuchea was the official name for the country we now know as Cambodia. This name was used from 1976 to January 1979. During this time, a group called the Khmer Rouge ruled the country. Their main leader was Pol Pot. The country's national song was called "Dap Prampi Mesa Chokchey."

This period was very difficult for the people of Cambodia. About 20% of the population died. This happened because of starvation, very hard forced labor, and executions. Many people consider these deaths a genocide. It is sometimes called the Cambodian Holocaust or Cambodian Genocide.

The rule of the Khmer Rouge ended in 1979. This happened when Vietnam, a neighboring country, invaded Cambodia. After the invasion, a new government called the People's Republic of Kampuchea took over.

Understanding Democratic Kampuchea

Democratic Kampuchea was a country in Southeast Asia. It existed during the Cold War period. The capital city was Phnom Penh. The government was run by a single, very strict political party. This party had complete control over everyone's lives.

The Khmer Rouge Takes Control

The Khmer Rouge came to power after a long civil war. They took control of Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975. They wanted to create a new kind of society. They aimed for a farming-based country without cities or money.

Life Under Khmer Rouge Rule

When the Khmer Rouge took over, they forced everyone to leave the cities. People had to move to the countryside. They were made to work on farms. Money was also removed, so people could not buy or sell things.

• Forced Labor: People had to work very long hours. They worked in fields and on big projects.
• Starvation: Many people did not get enough food. This led to widespread hunger and illness.
• Executions: The government punished anyone who disagreed with them. Many people were killed.

The End of Democratic Kampuchea

The difficult period of Democratic Kampuchea ended in 1979. This was when Vietnam invaded the country. The Vietnamese army quickly defeated the Khmer Rouge. This invasion led to a new government in Cambodia. However, the Vietnamese occupation lasted for about ten years.

Images for kids

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  Administrative zones of Democratic Kampuchea

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  Kang Kek Iew (Kaing Guek Eav or Duch) before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia

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  Pol Pot meeting with Romanian Marxist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu during the latter's visit to Cambodia in 1978

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  Aerial surveillance photo showing two Khmer Rouge gunboats during the initial seizing of the SS Mayaguez

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  Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (formerly Security Prison S-21)

See also

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In Spanish: Kampuchea Democrática para niños