Cambodia

  • Share
  • Twitter
  • Email this
  • Print
  • Add to favourites

The Facts

  • The population is 13 million
  • Average life expectancy is 57.4 years
  • Nearly one third of adults are illiterate
  • 77% of the population live on less than $2 a day.

Cambodia has suffered immense political, economic and social strife – including the genocide of a quarter of the population and the displacement of millions more at the hands of communist Khmer Rouge forces between 1975-1979.

Since 1993, there has been relative peace in the country, yet poverty and hunger are rife. Since the 1980s many people have lost access to forests, wetlands and agricultural fields, which are being exploited by local and foreign corporations.

ActionAid in Cambodia

ActionAid International began operating in Cambodia in 1999 and launched a full country programme in 2004. ActionAid Ireland started its first Child Sponsorship programme here at the end of 2007.

An important part of our work is helping poor people discover their rights and entitlements after years of oppression and poverty.

We work with local NGO partners on

  • Helping strengthen rural grassroots organisations
  • Food security and land rights
  • Women and health
  • Rural and urban poverty
  • HIV & AIDS
  • Advocacy training.

Rural women generally suffer very poor health and nutrition. ActionAid Cambodia is helping to train local women health volunteers so they can identify and treat reproductive problems.

We also work with local organisations to assist women who are rescued after being trafficked into the sex trade with education and vocational training.

Related research and publications

Cambodia country report (PDF)