Country Profile
Population: 17.3 Million (2021)
Major Threats: Floods, Thunderstorms, Social issues (Human Trafficking, Violence, Corruption)
Populations Affected: Rural and Urban Communities
Locations Affected: Tbong Khmum, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Ratanakkiri, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Koh Kong, Kampot, Kampong Thom, Modulkiri
Industries Affected: Agriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing
Compounding Issues: WASH, Livelihoods, Poverty, Education, Nutrition, Deforestation, and Water Resources
World Risk Index Ranking: 15
Global Climate Risk Index: 84 (2021)
Cambodia, a small yet highly sought-after destination in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its captivating blend of history, rich culture, and stunning natural landscapes. The country boasts an incredible biodiversity that adds to its allure. However, beneath this beauty lie poignant challenges stemming from a history marked by war, internal conflicts, and political turmoil, spanning from the 1970s conflict to discrimination and exploitation of ethnic groups.
Tragically, many of Cambodia’s minority ethnic groups continue to face barriers to accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment, perpetuating poverty within these communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, placing immense strain on Cambodia’s healthcare system and leading to a rise in poverty levels during multiple lockdowns.
Cambodia is recognized as a rapidly growing economy, with a significant focus on agriculture, textiles, garments, and a thriving tourism industry that attracts international visitors, bolstering foreign investment and trade. However, it also faces the challenge of being one of Asia’s least developed countries, primarily due to its heavy reliance on tourism and garment manufacturing, both of which were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic’s economic impact, Cambodia grappled with several persistent issues deserving of attention, including poverty, corruption, and human rights concerns. These issues have gained international prominence in recent years, particularly regarding media workers who have experienced harassment, abuse, and even violence.
Cambodians have already begun experiencing rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns. The 2022 floods displaced thousands of Cambodians and had a significant impact on public facilities, including schools. Climate change has made weather patterns less predictable, posing challenges for farmers who once relied on a predictable rainfall cycle. Increasingly intense droughts have led to lower harvests, affecting residents’ food security and exacerbating poverty.
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Cambodia’s economy, while the garment manufacturing sector also faces repeated challenges from climate-related disasters, occurring several times a year.
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