The Place

Cambodia is often misunderstood. While it can be considered an exotic locale, there are normal people struggling to get through the day. The children, in particular, are in need of our help and assistance both financially and spiritually. Through the Shelter of Love (and the support you give) they can get those necessary things in life!

Location:

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country in South East Asia with a population of over fourteen (14) million people. The Kingdom’s capital and largest city is Phnom Penh. Cambodia is the successor state of the once powerful Hindu and Buddhist Khmer Empire, which ruled most of the Indochinese Peninsula between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Religion:

Most Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists of Khmer extraction, but the country also has a substantial number of predominantly Muslim Cham, as well as ethnic Chinese, Vietnamese and small animist hill tribes. A citizen of Cambodia is usually identified as “Cambodian” or “Khmer,” though the latter strictly refers to ethnic Khmers.

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 also known as “The Great River” and the Tonlé Sap, an important source of fish.

Agriculture has long been the most important sector of the Cambodian economy, with around 59% of the population relying on agriculture for their livelihood. Garments, tourism, and construction are also important. Foreign visitors to Angkor Wat numbered more than four (4) million in the year 2007.

Poverty:

Cambodia is one of the world’s poorest nations, its economy and political life are still suffering from the civil war that racked the country during the latter part of the 20th century. Much of the population lives on $1 per day.
*www.usaid.gov