Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia, formerly known as Kampuchea, is a country in South East Asia with a population of over 14 million people. The country borders Thailand to its west and northwest, Laos to its northeast and Vietnam to its east and southeast. In the south it faces the Gulf of Thailand. The geography of Cambodia is dominated by the Mekong River ("the great river") and the Tonlé Sap ("the fresh water lake"), an important source of fish.

There’s a magic about Cambodia that casts a spell on many who visit this charming yet confounding kingdom. Most famous for its awe inspiring temples, Cambodia is a land of quiet beauty with gently rolling hills, flowing rivers and lots of small children with infinite amounts of curiosity.The chaotic yet charismatic capital of Phnom Penh is a hub of political intrigue, economic vitality and intellectual debate. All too often overlooked by hit-and-run tourists ticking off Angkor on a regional tour, the revitalised city of Siem Reap is finally earning plaudits in its own right thanks to a gorgeous riverside location, a cultural renaissance, and a dining and drinking scene to rival the best in the region.

After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1970, Cambodia commenced a long period of political and social disruption, especially under the Khmer Rouge regime led by Pol Pot where more than 1 million people out of a total population of 8 million, died from executions, overwork, starvation and disease.

Cambodia is moving past its war torn history and focusing on national reconstruction with an internationally supported tribunal recently set up to finally try the perpetrators genocide during the Khemer Rouge era. Much has been achieved in ensuring peace and security, re-establishing institutions and creating an environment for a stable economy and liberal investment. Now one of the world’s fastest growing economies, Cambodia’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) has increased, on average, 8.4% since 1994.

Development challenges remain however with Cambodian health among the poorest in SE Asia. Life expectancy is 57.4 years and the number of women dying in childbirth is still unacceptably high (1 child dies for every 200 births). Nevertheless, Cambodia has made progress in the reduction of malnutrition: whilst 45% of children under 5 years were underweight in 2000, by 2005 the figure had declined to 36%.

All Ears Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Providing ear and hearing medical services to children and adults across Cambodia, building partnerships with government bodies and institutes, hospitals and schools.

Cambodian Vision in Development

Battambang Province, Cambodia

A local NGO working with the most disadvantaged Cambodian communities across Samlaut District.

Children’s Surgical Centre

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The NGO aims to improve the quality of life for disabled poor people by providing free rehabilitation surgery

Cambodian Acid Survivors Charity

Kandal Province, Cambodia

Working with survivors of acid attacks, using a holistic approach, providing acid burn survivors with extensive support and skills training.

Tiny Toones Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Using dance, and the contemporary arts as creative tools to empower the youth of Cambodia to live healthier lives free of HIV and drugs.

Puthi Komar Organisation

Battambang, Cambodia

PKO seeks to assist in the intellectual development and contribute to the well-being of local children by providing leisure and education facilities.

Cambodian Children's Advocacy Fund

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Improving the lives of vulnerable children and their parents

This Life Cambodia

Siem Reap, Angkor, Kingdom of Cambodia

Implementing and coordinating community development and educational programs in various rural areas of Cambodia

The Green Gecko Project

Siem Reap Angkor, Cambodia

The Green Gecko Project is a home, school and family for 70 children who previously lived and begged on the streets of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Angkor Hospital for Children

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Striving to provide the highest quality paediatric care possible in Cambodia

Anjali House

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Providing refuge, care and education to disadvantage children in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Life & Hope Association

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Breaking the cycle of poverty by providing loving support and access to education to poor children in Cambodia

Cambodia Knits

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Providing sustainable opportunities for fair and flexible employment

Meakea Aphiwadh Organization (Meakea)

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Providing child-focused development that commits to create a good education opportunity for unprivileged children

Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation

Siem Reap Angkor, Cambodia

Sam Veasna Center (SVC) provides wildlife tours in Cambodia to create jobs and alternative incomes for rural Cambodians that in turn protects the amazing flora and fauna of Cambodia