After reading the description of the building and it's history in Cambodia on my previous post, some friends want to know more about on the country today, especially after Pol Pot's regime .
In rural Cambodia today, agriculture accounts for 90% of the gross domestic product or income; representing the traditional mainstay of the Cambodian economy. However, rice has always been the principle commodity. As a matter-of- fact, rice is a vital economic factor in Cambodia’s agrarian society. Secondary crops that contribute to Cambodia’s economy is maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, soy beans, sesame seeds, ground nuts, dry beans, and rubber. Second to rice, the primary commodity is the commercial crop, rubber. Rubber is one of the country’s few sources of foreign exchange. The exploration of rubber began in the mid 1980’s. The Soviet Union was and continues to be a major customer. Other commercial crops after that,included sugar cane, cotton, and tobacco. The Cambodians or Khmers also raised livestock as an essential part of their economic life. For example, water buffalo and ox en played a crucial role in the preparation of rice fields. Cambodians generally ate freshwater fish as it provided a major source of protein.
Unfortunately, as a result of the Khmer Rouge regime rule that occurred during the 1970s, many residents were forced to move out of the cities. Therefore, most of the population resides in the rural areas. Only about 10% of the citizens of Cambodia live in urban areas. During the Khmer Rouge period, families were separated and killed. The period also dictated the overall dynamics of the country. For Cambodians that reside in the rural lands, poverty and farming is the only life they know. Although, poverty also exists in the urban lands, there is immense opportunity for economic growth and power.
Related article : - Cambodia Today
In rural Cambodia today, agriculture accounts for 90% of the gross domestic product or income; representing the traditional mainstay of the Cambodian economy. However, rice has always been the principle commodity. As a matter-of- fact, rice is a vital economic factor in Cambodia’s agrarian society. Secondary crops that contribute to Cambodia’s economy is maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, soy beans, sesame seeds, ground nuts, dry beans, and rubber. Second to rice, the primary commodity is the commercial crop, rubber. Rubber is one of the country’s few sources of foreign exchange. The exploration of rubber began in the mid 1980’s. The Soviet Union was and continues to be a major customer. Other commercial crops after that,included sugar cane, cotton, and tobacco. The Cambodians or Khmers also raised livestock as an essential part of their economic life. For example, water buffalo and ox en played a crucial role in the preparation of rice fields. Cambodians generally ate freshwater fish as it provided a major source of protein.
Unfortunately, as a result of the Khmer Rouge regime rule that occurred during the 1970s, many residents were forced to move out of the cities. Therefore, most of the population resides in the rural areas. Only about 10% of the citizens of Cambodia live in urban areas. During the Khmer Rouge period, families were separated and killed. The period also dictated the overall dynamics of the country. For Cambodians that reside in the rural lands, poverty and farming is the only life they know. Although, poverty also exists in the urban lands, there is immense opportunity for economic growth and power.
Related article : - Cambodia Today
2 comments:
Thanks!
A partly sad, yet hopeful story. The people's past was horrible, the present is poor but the future may shine.
@colson : You're most welcome. Really appreciate your comments.
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