Monday, August 25, 2008

Cambodian Facts and Figures

Interesting Cultural Facts
The Days
The Cambodian business day is based around the hot afternoons and history in agriculture. Most Cambodian people get up every morning at 5am for morning stretches and exercises and begin work at 7am. Everywhere from banks, to temples, to offices and tourist attractions have a two hour lunch break from approximately 11am to 1pm. Most people spend go home and spend these two hours sleeping and eating. The afternoon is spent at work from approximately 1pm to 5pm. Most Cambodian’s, particularly women, do not feel safe traveling after 8pm and prefer to be in bed by 9pm.
The Weather
There are two seasons in Cambodia, the wet and the dry. As the climate changes there is a lot of discussion about when exactly these seasons begin and end. But generally November to May is the dry season (more popular tourist season) and June to October is the wet season. During the wet season the rain is usually very regular and will rain heavily from 1pm-4pm every day. The whole country stops while it rains as people prefer not to travel for fear of flooding and poor visibility.
Number Crunch
Cambodia 2006 figures
Population
Approx 14million
Gross Domestic Product
Approx $27billion (Less then the Beijing Olympics)
Real Growth Rate
Approx 5.5%
Employment
Labor in agriculture 75%
Unemployed 2.5%
Below poverty line 40%
Aid Donations
Approx $500million
Religion
95% Buddhist
Age
Medium age approx 20 years
Only 3% over 65 years
SABORAS
Handicraft Wage
US $40 a month
Commissions per item
US $1
Item retail prices
$4 - $8
Handicraft Students
6
Funding met
40%
Further required funding
US $16,000