Cambodian Independence Day is celebrated annually on November 9th, marking the country’s declaration of independence from French colonisation in 1953. As a Cambodian, “Independence Day” resonates deeply with me. Growing up, I was always captivated by the vibrancy of the celebrations in my hometown. The streets were decorated with flags, music filled the air, and there were public speeches. However, at that time, my understanding of the significance of this event was limited to merely getting a day off from school.
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-7981514788931893&output=html&h=280&adk=979463840&adf=1180944122&w=750&abgtt=6&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1731034132&rafmt=1&format=750×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.khmertimeskh.com%2F501588177%2Fresilience-and-growth-cambodias-journey-after-independence%2F&fwr=0&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTMwLjAuMjg0OS42OCIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzMC4wLjY3MjMuOTIiXSxbIk1pY3Jvc29mdCBFZGdlIiwiMTMwLjAuMjg0OS42OCJdLFsiTm90P0FfQnJhbmQiLCI5OS4wLjAuMCJdXSwwXQ..&dt=1731037330464&bpp=4&bdt=1425&idt=403&shv=r20241106&mjsv=m202410300101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D4e6643967a8de2c3%3AT%3D1709085897%3ART%3D1731037067%3AS%3DALNI_MY8_1qBrY0M5DtuOkF7oEqQXJMk1g&gpic=UID%3D00000d1b2e9e831c%3AT%3D1709085897%3ART%3D1731037067%3AS%3DALNI_MZ7H9gctC-Gca3NI6lQo1RgC0aB0A&eo_id_str=ID%3D56b696cd8af3d65a%3AT%3D1724638037%3ART%3D1731037067%3AS%3DAA-Afjb3-UASvTQLKV92L-nQafk4&prev_fmts=0x0&nras=1&correlator=7523026505555&frm=20&pv=1&u_tz=420&u_his=1&u_h=864&u_w=1536&u_ah=824&u_aw=1536&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.125&dmc=8&adx=270&ady=1285&biw=1681&bih=829&scr_x=0&scr_y=333&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C31087700%2C31088129%2C95344190%2C95344791%2C31088653%2C31084488%2C95345471%2C95345967&oid=2&pvsid=1200698652643243&tmod=1124628718&wsm=1&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1536%2C0%2C1536%2C824%2C1698%2C829&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&bz=0.9&td=1&tdf=2&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&pgls=CAEQARoFNC43LjM.~CAEaBTYuNi4y~CAA.&ifi=2&uci=a!2&btvi=1&fsb=1&dtd=418
As I have grown older, I have come to realise the true meaning of this event and how it has shaped my understanding of independence. The Declaration of Independence represents not just the end of foreign rule but also the beginning of a new chapter for Cambodia. It symbolises the aspirations of the Cambodian people for self-determination. This newfound freedom has allowed Cambodia to establish its political systems, cultural identity, and economic policies.
Although Cambodia faced a tumultuous period marked by political instability and civil war after gaining its independence, the newfound freedom allowed for a collective effort to rebuild the country. The resilience of the Cambodian people, combined with international support, has paved the way for gradual progress in various sectors.
In recent decades, Cambodia has undergone significant changes. The country has witnessed impressive economic development, social progress, and political stability. The introduction of market-oriented reforms and integration into the global economy has had a positive impact on Cambodia. According to the World Bank, Cambodia’s GDP growth averaged around 7% annually from 1998 to 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Additionally, health care and education have improved drastically. The government has invested in health infrastructure, leading to better maternal and child health outcomes.
According to Statista, child mortality rates have significantly decreased from 30.2% in 2012 to 20.3% in 2022 due to improved healthcare access. Education reforms have also been implemented, with a focus on increasing enrollment rates at all levels. As stated in a report by the National Institute of Statistics, the literacy rate reached approximately 86.2% in 2019, doubling from 67.3% in 1998. These achievements reflect Cambodia’s transformation from a war-torn nation to a developing economy, a testament to the resilience and strength of its people and government leadership.
The celebration of Independence Day serves as a reminder of how grateful we should be for the freedoms and development we enjoy today, as well as the vibrant culture we continue to celebrate. As Cambodians come together to commemorate this significant occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to unity and progress. We are responsible for carrying on the legacy of our heroes who fought for our independence, and each of us has a role to play in building a more prosperous Cambodia. Therefore, Independence Day is a time to honour our past and an opportunity to look forward to a brighter future.
“In celebrating Cambodia’s Independence Day, we honour the sacrifices made for our nation and reaffirm our commitment to unity and progress.”
The author is a geopolitical analyst who focusses on national and regional issues.
