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The
Cambodian Economy
One
of the world's poorest countries, the majority of Cambodia's population (about
74%) is employed in agriculture. The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979)
nationalized the production process and collectivized agriculture and carried
out its four year plan, which was unsuccessful for many reasons.
The
regime depleted the work force by executing those thought to be enemies of the
regime and brutally enforcing the plan by overworking, mistreating and abusing
the population. Many Cambodian's died from misdiagnosed illnesses and
malnutrition. With the civil unrest, Cambodia's already weak economy was
essentially destroyed.
Even
by 1995, the economy on average was performing much lower than its capacity
before 1970. After the Khmer Rouge was overthrown in 1979, many people
returned to being subsistence farmers. An improvement in the economy was
gradually observed, and by the mid-1990s, small amounts of rice were exported as
Cambodia had become self-sufficient in rice production again.
In
1997, agriculture contributed to 51 percent of Cambodia's GDP, with rice being
the most important crop. With rice being a staple in their diet as well,
over half of cultivated land is planted with rice. An important natural
resource for Cambodians, fish is an important part of their diet as well.
The Tonle Sap is a great source of freshwater fish for Cambodians, with the main
types caught are perch, carp, lungfish and smelt.
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