The country is still in the grips of the trauma wrought by the Khmer Rouge. The constant suffering of the recent past casts its shadow over everyone. The country's economy is in ruins; the majority of the Cambodian population earns less than a dollar per day. Since the entire country's intelligentsia was systematically persecuted and exterminated under the Khmer Rouge, very few teachers or doctors survived the regime. Despite the horrors of the recent past and the oppressive poverty, Cambodia still radiates with breath-taking beauty and warmth. The day to day life of the Khmer people (this is how Cambodians are called), is strongly influenced by Buddhism. Their infectious sense of calm and passion for life enchant every visitor. |