French language in Cambodia

[5] After the turn of the 20th century, French began to be widely introduced into Cambodian education, initially being limited to the elite class before spreading to the masses nationwide as the economy grew significantly by the 1920s.

When Cambodia became independent in 1953, the French language maintained its official status, now alongside Khmer, and continued to be used in education, government, business, and media.

Despite its strong presence in the government and education, French declined much heavier in Cambodia by the end of the conflicts that embroiled Indochina in the mid-1970s than in Vietnam and Laos.

After its victory in the Cambodian Civil War in 1975, the Khmer Rouge came to power in Cambodia and began executing thousands of individuals who were educated or formed part of the professional class before the regime's takeover.

Members of these groups were overwhelmingly French-speaking, though ironically top Khmer Rouge leaders were often themselves fluent in French or educated in France.

Communities of returned refugees from France and Quebec as well as students who have studied in Francophone nations have also added to the French-speaking population of Cambodia.

[9] French is also a working language in medicine, although political and education officials have expressed concern with the introduction of English usage in a few medical schools that undermine established standards and quality on the country's health system by adding an additional language for students.