Cambodia: A country of hope and promises for a better tomorrow.
Extreme poverty is no stranger to Cambodia but as you travel along the roads you see signs of development and you sense an energy about the people that things are changing - the economy is improving little by little.
A few facts:
The average Cambodian citizen makes around 650 USD per year (UNICEF). In Vietnam the average citizen makes around 1010 USD per year YET, Cambodian is noticeably much more expensive.
Indicators that Cambodia is slowly changing.
Extreme poverty is no stranger to Cambodia but as you travel along the roads you see signs of development and you sense an energy about the people that things are changing - the economy is improving little by little.
A few facts:
The average Cambodian citizen makes around 650 USD per year (UNICEF). In Vietnam the average citizen makes around 1010 USD per year YET, Cambodian is noticeably much more expensive.
Why? They import the majority of their goods and are reliant on external sources for oil and other natural resources. (We were informed from a few people that there are plans to begin offshore drilling. However at the time of writing this no plans had been revealed to build a refinery).
The country is just getting back on its feet after utter destruction by the Khmer Rouge: 2-3 Million people died. Agriculture fields were destroyed by over use. Infrastructure was destroyed – roads are being rebuilt roads, bridges, railways, etc.
Indicators that Cambodia is slowly changing.
Today education in Cambodia is free both primary and secondary. More schools are being built. Most parents want their children to be educated. Many people who have received education want more than the life they have known. They are starting businesses, attending university, and are slowly speaking up demanding change in their country.
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