Cambodia.
 A past tainted with the traumas of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia is a country still finding its feet. But with ancient overgrown temples like Angkor, glowing phosphorus in the waters surrounding coastal Sihanoukville (think the Beach), bustling markets, vibrant bars and riverside cafes in Siem Reap you won't struggle to find a reason to fall in love with it! The awe-inspiring ruins of Angkor are surely one of the highlights of Asia and nearby Siem Reap with its buzzing 'Pub Street' a favourite traveler hangout. Down south you'll encounter a largely undiscovered coastline, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There are many very friendly and hospitable Buddhist monks to be found everywhere and not just in the monasteries. You will groups of them along the shopping sidewalks. Not unusual when there are over 70,000 monks and 95% of the population follow Buddhism and there are over 5000 Buddhist pagodas which are entrances to monasteries. While in the past Monks led a simple life and prohibited from engaging in non religious activities, a changing worlds lifestyle influences has seen a breakaway from traditional observance and entry into mainstream life.
When to go to Cambodia:
Cambodia boasts a warm-climate all year round making it a popular destination for tropical-climate seekers (less layers to pack too). The busiest season runs from Nov-Feb when the temperature is slightly cooler and there is little rain. From Mar-May humidity and temperatures rise and can hit 40°C. An ideal time to check Cambodia's coast line but the cities and Angkor can be pretty sweltering! Rainy Season spans from Jun-Oct, where afternoon heavy downpours transform the landscape into a lush green. Monsoons can make the country tricky to travel around due to flooding, so consider this when choosing your route and mode of transport.
Economy of Cambodia:
The economy of Cambodia is largely driven by the agricultural sector, which accounts for approximately 35% of its gross domestic product (GDP). The majority of the population is employed in subsistence agriculture, while the manufacturing and services sectors are rapidly growing.
Cambodia has experienced strong economic growth over the past two decades, as the country has implemented a number of reforms to improve the business environment, increase foreign investment, and reduce poverty. GDP growth reached 7.7% in 2018 and is expected to remain steady at around 6.7% in 2019. The growth is largely attributed to strong performance in the garment industry, construction, and tourism.
Inflation has been relatively low in recent years, with an average rate of 3.8% in 2018. This is largely due to the government’s efforts to maintain a stable macroeconomic environment. The government has also implemented policies to reduce public debt, which is now around 60.6% of GDP. Cambodia has a relatively open economy with a large foreign direct investment (FDI) component, which helped the country achieve economic growth. FDI inflows reached a record USD 8.4 billion in 2018 and are expected to remain strong in 2019.
The government is undertaking a number of reform efforts to improve the business climate and increase economic diversification. These efforts include improving the legal and regulatory environment, modernizing infrastructure, and providing incentives to attract foreign investment. The government is also working to increase access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and is encouraging the development of the digital economy.
Overall, the economy of Cambodia is expected to remain strong in the coming years, as the government continues to push for reforms and attract foreign investment. The country’s population is young and growing, which could provide a steady supply of labour and spur further economic growth. |
