Background
Cambodia is located in South-East Asia, bordered by Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. It is one of the poorest countries in the world.
North-West Cambodia is largely rural and covers the provinces of Oddar/Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Kompong Chhnang and Siem Reap. It is regarded as the poorest part of Cambodia.
Many people live in remote villages with no access to services such as electricity or water and the main occupation is agriculture. Basic education is generally poor and attendance optional. Most people are under 40 years old.
A BIT OF HISTORY
1000 years ago, Cambodia was an ancient civilisation, building the great temples of Angkor Wat which still stand today. French rule in the 18th and 19th centuries was followed by much suffering during the Vietnam War – Cambodia is still the 3rd most landmined country in the world.
During the 1970’s and ‘80’s, the brutal Pol Pot regime virtually destroyed the country and it’s culture: 2 million people died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, a generation was wiped out and every family has a story to tell. It is only now that Cambodia is beginning to emerge from it’s horrific recent past.
Non-Government Organisations such as Support Cambodia aim to improve the quality of life for the poorest people by helping them to help themselves
10 Facts About Cambodia Today
- Cambodia has a population of 17 million
- 80% of the people live in the countryside
- Life expectancy is about 70
- Their national language is Khmer
- There is no state benefit system
- Health care is very basic and treatment must be paid for
- Many parents go to Thailand to find work, leaving their children behind.
- The average unskilled monthly wage is around £60
- Over 2 million tourists visit Angkor Wat every year
- 96% of Cambodians are Buddhist
