Skip to main content
    CambodiaKingdom of Wonders
    Sign In
    1. HomeHome
    2. Experiences
    3. Facts
    4. Khmer Rouge History
    Last verified: March 2026by Experiences Team · Cambodia Experience Designers
    Khmer Rouge History — Cambodia Facts
    1975–1979: An estimated 1.5–2 million Cambodians died under the regime. The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, ruled Cambodia from 1975–1979. The regime emptied cities, abolished
    All Facts
    📜

    Khmer Rouge History

    1975–1979: An estimated 1.5–2 million Cambodians died under the regime

    The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, ruled Cambodia from 1975–1979. The regime emptied cities, abolished money and private property, and attempted to create an agrarian utopia. An estimated 1.5–2 million people (25% of the population) died from execution, starvation, disease, and forced labor. The Killing Fields and S-21 prison in Phnom Penh are now memorials.

    Key Data Points

    Period

    1975–1979

    Deaths

    1.5–2 million

    Population affected

    ~25%

    Leader

    Pol Pot

    Related Guides

    • Killing Fields
    • S-21 Museum
    • Khmer History

    Tools & Experiences

    Trip Generator

    Build a custom Cambodia itinerary

    100 Experiences

    Cambodia bucket list tracker

    Travel Quiz

    What kind of traveler are you?

    Rankings

    Best beaches, temples & more

    Share this page

    Get Cambodia Travel Updates

    Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.

    No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.

    On This Page

    • Key Data Points

    Data Sources & Official References

    Ministry of Tourism, CambodiaGeneral Department of ImmigrationWorld Bank Open Data
    CambodiaKingdom of Wonders

    The most comprehensive and trusted destination guide for Cambodia. Built for travelers, expats, and researchers.

    Get Travel Updates

    Contact Us

    Visas

    • Tourist Visa
    • E-Visa
    • Visa on Arrival
    • Business Visa
    • Visa Extensions
    • By Nationality

    Destinations

    • Phnom Penh
    • Siem Reap
    • Sihanoukville
    • Kampot
    • Koh Rong
    • Battambang

    Travel Info

    • Daily Budget
    • Best Time to Visit
    • Safety Guide
    • Scam Awareness
    • Packing List
    • Getting Around
    • SIM Cards
    • FAQs

    Living in Cambodia

    • Expat Guide
    • Digital Nomads
    • Cost of Living
    • Healthcare
    • Working
    • Housing

    Tools & Resources

    • Packing List Generator
    • Currency Converter
    • Cost Calculator
    • Volunteering
    • Charities
    • Cambodia Songs
    • Khmer Phrases

    Community

    • Photo Gallery
    • Travel Stories
    • Community Tips
    • Blog

    Legal Services

    • Legal Services Hub
    • Visa Legal Services
    • Work Permits
    • Real Estate Law
    • CM2H Golden Visa
    • Citizenship by Investment
    • Company Registration
    • Corporate Banking & Tax
    • Business Legal Advice

    © 2026 Cambodia Kingdom of Wonders. All rights reserved.

    About UsEditorial StandardsDisclosureDisclaimerPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSitemap

    We use cookies and local storage for site functionality (saving preferences, trip plans). No tracking or advertising cookies. See our Privacy Policy.