I just wanted to share some information about the nation of Cambodia and the town of Kampong Speu.
The location and national flag of Cambodia…
The information below about Cambodia is from CIA World Factbook.
History: Most are Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire. Came under French protection in 1863, occupied by Japan during World War 2, became independent in 1953. Lost at least 1.5 million people under Khmer Rouge government which ruled 1975-1978. Democratic coalition government was established in 1998 and the remaining Khmer Rouge surrendered in 1999.
Economy: Garmet industry accounts for more than 75% of total exports. Majoy challenge is fashioning environment so that the private sector can create jobs.
Problems: Illegal logging activites and strip mining have caused habitat loss and soil erosion. Border disputes with Thailand. Vulnerable to money laundering. About 4 million people live on less than $1.25/day and 37% of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition. Population lacks education and production skills.
Capital: Phnom Pehn, population 1.5 million (2009)
Area: 69.898 square miles, slightly smaller than Oklahoma
Ethnic Groups​: Khmer – 90%, Vietnamese – 5%, Chinese – 1%, Other – 4%
Languages: Khmer (official), French, English
Religions: Buddhist – 96.4%, Muslim – 2.1%, Other – 1.3%, Unspecified – 0.2% (1998 census)
Population: just over 15.2 million (July 2013 estimate), 31% below poverty line (2007 estimate)
Age Structure: 0-14 – 31.9%, 15-24 – 21.9%, 25-54 – 37.5%, 55-64 – 4.9%, > 65 – 3.8%
Median Age: 23 (Male – 23, Female – 24)
Urbanization: 20% (2010)
Growth Rate: 1.7% (2012 estimate)
Infant Mortality: 54 per 1,000 live births
Life Expectancy: 63 (Male – 61, Female – 66)
Literacy Rate: 77.6%
Unemployment rate: 3.5% (2007 estimate)
Governemt Type: Multiparty democracy under constitutional monarchy
Suffrage: 18, universal
Gross Domestic Product Per Capita: $2,400 (2012 estimate)
Inflation: 4.5% (2012 estimate)
Currency: Ringgit (3/US$1)
Our ministry host for the month is Ra Heng. We will living in a small village outside the city of Kampong Speu. Ra is employed by a ministry called YWAM (Youth With A Mission). We will spending the month with him teaching English classes for local kids at his house as well as spending time with the children at the nearby elementary school.
