Cambodia

Cambodia is a vibrant country with a rich and tragic history. From the ancient wonders of the Khmer Empire to the modern horrors of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, there is so much to explore and learn in Cambodia.
Although the scars of Cambodia’s past are still healing, the resilience and optimism of the Khmer spirit remains strong. Cambodia has made significant economic progress in the last two decades, with a poverty rate of 50 percent in 1992 falling to around 20 percent today.
However, inequality remains a reality of life in Cambodia. With a large proportion of the population (around 85 percent) residing in rural areas, access to basic facilities is a challenge. Meanwhile, in urban areas such as Phnom Penh, slums are a growing problem where about 140,000 people are living in more than 500 slums across the city. Families living in slums have little to no security of land clean water and sanitation. Through the Global Village program, volunteers have the chance to work with vulnerable families, including those living with HIV/AIDS, child-headed households and the elderly, to provide access to safe and decent housing and a brighter future.