Cambodia is a developing democracy, seeking to overcome decades of war and misrule. It has achieved peace and stability and democratic institutions have taken root. There have been three increasingly open national elections since 1993. Despite significant progress since the Paris Accords in 1991, the country faces continuing problems around governance, corruption and human rights. Cambodia is a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations.
Cambodia is making good progress in reducing poverty, but remains one of the poorest countries in Asia. The economy has enjoyed double-digit growth over recent years.
The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) has been established to address the crimes committed under the Khmer Rouge regime of 1975 to 1979. It represents a milestone for Cambodia and an opportunity to break with the past will be in the success of the ECCC, bringing to justice those responsible for serious crimes during the Khmer Rouge period.