Modern History of Cambodia

Cambodia is a relatively small country located in Southeast Asia between Thailand and Vietnam. With a current population of about 11 million people, Cambodia's primary religion is Buddhism. It is one of the poorest countries in the world and has an average yearly income of about $300 per family. There is approximately 50% unemployment. The number of orphans is unknown but estimated to be several hundred thousand.

Cambodia and its people are still reeling from the aftermath of the US and Vietnam conflict. The Viet Cong were driven across the Cambodian border by US forces, who pursued them and dropped 500,000 tons of bombs in Cambodia. Because of this disruption, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge easily took over the country and began some of the worst atrocities any country has suffered in recent times. He emptied cities and executed anyone with an education or with an occupation that would subvert his goals of forming a society without Western influence. Between 20% and 25% of the population were murdered (this is about 1.5 million people; estimates range from 850,000 to 2 million people who were killed). The physical, social and economic infrastructure of the country was destroyed.

The Vietnamese, in exchange for settlement promises, came into Cambodia in 1979 and toppled the regime, but the after effects - decimated families, fractured economy, government corruption, a land laced with mines, a terrorized population, extreme poverty and hunger, no education or industry, a large displaced and homeless population - are still a part of the country. There are vast problems in medical care and education because almost all medical personnel and teachers were murdered.

The Cambodian people are gentle, resilient and strong, but without outside help, they cannot rebuild what has been destroyed. Almost all Cambodians have lost family members. Infirmity, poverty, AIDs, unemployment, hunger, homelessness, limited medical care, tens of thousands of orphans and child sex-trade are all part of present day Cambodia.

Cambodia's Hope is determined to provide training, education and opportunities for young Cambodians. We have promised each of our children that if they study, we will send them through University. We have promised them that we will care for them, not until they are 16 or 18, but until they are ready to become employed and independent. Our goal is to provide the country with leaders who will not forget where they have come from, but who will reach back to their roots and forge a new Cambodia.