Settled in the late 5th century, two groups settled in what is now Cambodia. Champa controlled the central and southern part of Vietnam and Funan is the southernmost part of Vietnam and present-day Cambodia. Influences from both China and India were evident as dance and music spread throughout the area. He ruled alone until 1864, when the French absorbed him into French Indochina along with Laos and Vietnam. For nearly a century, the French commercially exploited Cambodia and claimed power over its politics, economy, and social life. It was not until leader Norodom Sihanouk proclaimed Cambodia's independence in 1949, which was later granted in 1953. Cambodia fell into chaos during the 1970s when General Lon Nol and his ties to the Khmer Rouge brought Cambodia into a 'era of genocide. For a decade Cambodia was surrounded by desperation and carnage until the end of the Khmer Rouge reign in 1979. Slowly the nation's reconstruction began as outside countries and organizations such as the United Nations helped get Cambodia back on its feet. Plans have been made for general elections by 1993 which will lead to the constitutional monarchy the country has today. With its cyclical and oppressive history, Cambodia's future is optimistic with a rapidly growing economy thanks to sectors such as tourism, textiles, oil and traditional agriculture. Slowly the nation manages to find its place among other powers in Southeast Asia and around the world. Starting in 1864, when the French obtained Cambodia, problems for the Cambodians began to emerge. Seeking to gain access and trade routes to China, the French began acquiring territories in open areas of Asia. The French came ready with the pla...... middle of paper ...... industries include services, manufacturing and recently oil and natural gas as offshore reserves have been found. Tourism has become another industry since the end of the genocide in the 1970s. Cambodia has come a long way since its days under French rule and the disastrous rule of the Khmer Rouge. With 14.9 million people living relatively peaceful and prosperous lives, Cambodia still has a long way to go to join the ranks of world powers. Education has flourished in Cambodia and the majority of the population attend school and have also progressed to higher education. The main goal is to ensure that its entire population is literate so that they can be active in life. The government is taking an active role to offer the best to its people, whether through reforms, education or elections. He makes sure to never repeat his dark past and always have a bright future.