Cambodia Deanna Popa and Tori O’Halloran

Cambodia Facts Bordered by: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam Population: 15,458,332 Religion: Theravada Buddhism practiced by 95% of the pop Minorities: Vietnamese, Chinese Capital/Largest City: Phnom Penh known as political, economic, cultural center of Cambodia Ethnic Groups: 90% Khmer 5% Vietnamese 1% Chinese 4% Other Government: Constitutional Monarchy Monarch- Norodom Sihamoni Prime Minister- Hun Sen Currency: Riel

Cambodian Economy at a Glance Per capita income approx. $2,470 and $1,040 in nominal per capita Dependent on agriculture, major exports: rice, fish, timber, garments/textiles, and rubber one of world’s top 10 countries with annual average GDP growth Fastest growing industry-> tourism Oil/natural gas deposits found under Cambodian waters, remain mostly untapped National Bank of Cambodia -> central bank, provides regulatory oversight

Main Economic Issues Older population lacking in education from lack of basic infrastructure Among the worst places in labor rights International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Global Rights Index

August 2015: Rubber plant built in Cambodia -The Tan Bien-Kampong Thom Development Company opened rubber latex processing plant -affiliate of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) -helped develop the local economy and generate jobs for local residents -Vietnamese Government's determination to develop its friendship and comprehensive co-operation with Cambodia - licensed to grow rubber trees on over 7,000ha (hectare=2.5 acres) in Cambodia's Kampong Thom province with total investment of US$43.5 million

September 2015: India wants to forge closer business and economic partnerships with Cambodia -move to engage more with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) -scheduled visit vice president of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari “We hope that these projects will benefit local communities and contribute to the improvement of public welfare,” Mr. Ansari said, India will give $50,000 for the establishment of an entrepreneurship development center -one of fastest growing economies in the region/primarily agrarian, certain degree of macroeconomic stability in recent years, potential for future development

Cambodian Politics at a Glance Government Type: Multiparty Democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Legal System: Civil law system that is influenced by the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia. Prime Minister’s Cabinet contains Council of Ministers named by the Prime Minister and appointed by the monarch Major political parties include The Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), The Nationalist Party, The National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Sen  Member of the Cambodian’s People’s Party (CPP), Prime Minister Hun Shen is the longest non-royal ruler in Asia.  Western countries have seen Hun Sen’s rule as more authoritarian as of late.  Joined the Communist Party in 1960 and then became a member of the Khmer Rouge  Later, his new opposition to the Khmer Rouge helped him to gain the position of Prime Minister of Cambodia.

August 2015: CPP is Smacking Down Dissent  The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is not taking opposition in the country lightly, especially from other major political parties.  Cambodia has been keeping track of the nation’s online opinions from citizens who are exercising free speech about the state of the government.  The Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) organizer was arrested due to allegations that he was trying to undermine the CPP.  There have been numerous government crackdowns to control protesters and opposers of the Cambodian government and Hun Sen’s leadership.  Issues involving unions and human rights have been keys to the conflicts in Cambodia.

September 2015: Cambodia’s Montagnard Problem  Over 1,000 Cambodian soldiers have been securing the border shared with Vietnam in order to keep out Montagnards, a persecuted Christian tribal group of Vietnam.  Montagnards come to Cambodia to seek asylum legally, but are often deported as illegal economic migrants.  Hun Sen and his government find no need to keep the rights of Montagnards upheld.  Many Montagnards make allegations of persecution from Vietnam but do not bring valid documents to become citizens in Cambodia.

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