Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Geography:
-Slightly smaller than Oklahoma
-Borders Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam
-Highest point is Phnum Aoral (5,938ft)
-Capital is Phnom Penh
People/Society:
-Khmer is the official language
-96.9% Buddhist, 1.9% Muslim, 0.4% Christian, and 0.8% other
-Population is 15,458,332
-Median age is 24.1 years old
-29% of children under the age of 5 are underweight
-39% (1,345,269) of children 5-14 , are in child labor situations (est 2001)
Government:
-Multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy
-Gained independence on November 9, 1953 from France
-National symbol is Angkor Wat temple and kouprey (wild ox)
-The white three-towered temple represents Angkor Wat and red and blue are traditional Cambodian colors
Economy:
-Agriculture: rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cashews, cassava, and silk
-0% unemployment rate (est 2011)
-20% live below the poverty line
-Exchange rate: 4,037 riels per USD
