Hello, I'm an expert in historical geography and international relations. I specialize in the study of country names and their evolution over time. Let's delve into the fascinating history of Cambodia's former name.
The name of Cambodia has undergone several transformations throughout its rich history. The country we know today as Cambodia was once known by a different name, which is deeply rooted in its cultural and linguistic heritage.
The former name of Cambodia is "Kampuchea." This name is derived from the Khmer language, which is the official language of Cambodia. The term "Kampuchea" is pronounced as "Kampu-chea" in Khmer, which means "land of the Kambujas." The Kambujas were an ancient people who inhabited the region that is now modern-day Cambodia.
The origin of the name "Kampuchea" can be traced back to the Sanskrit language. The term "Kambujade?a" in Sanskrit means "land of the Kambujas." Over time, this term evolved and was adapted into the Khmer language, eventually becoming "Kampuchea."
It is important to note that the name "Kampuchea" was not unique to the modern kingdom of Cambodia. The same name was used to refer to various ancient kingdoms and empires that existed in the region. For example, the Khmer Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century, was also known as "Kambuja" in Sanskrit.
The use of the name "Kampuchea" continued until the late 20th century. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge, a radical communist group, seized power in Cambodia and established the Democratic Kampuchea. However, this regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses and the genocide of nearly 2 million people. In 1979, Vietnam invaded Cambodia and overthrew the Khmer Rouge, leading to the restoration of the name "Cambodia."
In 1989, the United Nations passed a resolution recognizing the name "Cambodia" as the official name of the country. Since then, the name "Kampuchea" has fallen out of use and is now largely a historical term.
In conclusion, the former name of Cambodia was "Kampuchea," which is derived from the Sanskrit term "Kambujade?a" and the Khmer language. This name has a rich history and cultural significance, reflecting the ancient origins and linguistic roots of the country. Today, the name "Cambodia" is recognized as the official name of the country, representing its modern identity and its place in the global community.

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The name of Cambodia in the Khmer language is "Kampuchea" (Khmer: ?????????????????????; Preah Reachanachak Kampuchea), which derives from Sanskrit Kambujade?a (?????????; "land of Kambuja"). It is not unique to the modern kingdom of Cambodia: the same name (i.e.read more >>