Despite encouraging progress with regard to stabilization of the economy and growth, the Government continues to face formidable challenges. According to the 2000 Human Development Report, Cambodia ranks 137 out of 174 countries on the Human Development Index. Annual average per capita income is estimated at no more than $290, with close to 40 per cent of the entire population living below the poverty line. Rural households, as in other parts of Asia, comprise 90 per cent of the country’s poor.

Cambodia’s total population is estimated at 11.2 million in 2000. Over 42 per cent of the entire population is under the age of 15; 29 per cent are in the age group 12-22.

Health indicators continue to be among the lowest in the region. The maternal mortality rate averages 473 deaths per 100,000 live births. Similarly, the under five mortality rate is 125 deaths per 1,000 live births; one in every eight children born in the country dies before his or her fifth birthday. The infant mortality rate is 95 per 1,000 live births. At the national level, only one-third of all births take place in a health facility with trained medical personnel present.

Not surprisingly, with these poor health indicators, women are having on average 5.3 children each; the second highest rate in Southeast Asia after Laos. Some progress has been made, however. The contraceptive prevalence rate is increasing. In fact it has nearly doubled: from 13 per cent in 1995 to 24 per cent in 2000.

                              continued >>