King Norodom Sihanouk was a prominent Cambodian leader who played a significant role in the country's history. Born on October 31, 1922, he became king in 1941 and later served as prime minister and head of state. Sihanouk was known for his efforts to maintain Cambodia's independence during the Cold War and for promoting national unity. Throughout his life, Sihanouk faced various political challenges, including the rise of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. He was eventually overthrown and went into exile but returned to Cambodia after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. Sihanouk passed away on October 15, 2012, leaving a complex legacy in Cambodian history.