Cambodia Facts

Susadei or “hello” in Khmer, the official language of Cambodia. This Southeast Asian country is home to architectural wonders, beautiful landscapes and thousands of children cared for by Compassion. Learn more Cambodia facts here.

The sky over Banteay Meanchey with rain falling on the horizon and bright green fields.

5 Facts About Cambodia

Here are five interesting facts about Cambodia.

Cambodia map in blue.

Where Is Cambodia?

Cambodia is in mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north and Vietnam to the east and south.

Key Challenges in Cambodia & Our Response

Cambodia is a beautiful country with a rich history and captivating culture. But many of Cambodia’s families live in poverty, facing daily challenges Compassion is working to address.

Nearly 98% of Cambodians Do Not Know Jesus

One of history’s darkest tragedies, the Khmer Rouge genocide, left deep scars on the nation of Cambodia. An estimated 1.7 to 2 million Cambodians (25% of the population) lost their lives. Now, Cambodia has a relatively young population.

The effects of this devastating loss are still felt today. While Cambodia has experienced economic growth since the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime, 77.3% of the participants we serve live in families making less than $3.65 per day — far from enough to meet their needs.

While many families face severe physical need, often lacking medical care, education and other essentials, their greatest need is spiritual: Most Cambodians don’t know Jesus. This spiritual poverty prevents Cambodia’s people from truly healing, perpetuating a cycle of brokenness and hopelessness.

Our Response: Transforming a Nation With the Gospel

We believe this nation scarred by loss can become one defined by hope. We’re working to see that transformation through by sharing the love of Jesus across Cambodia.

Compassion is sharing the gospel in word and action by introducing children and their families to Jesus and meeting their critical physical needs with the support of the local church.

As we work together, local churches are strengthened and equipped to grow so they can continue caring for those in their communities and beyond.

Moms & Their Babies Face Disease & Death

In the areas Compassion serves within Cambodia, many people, including mothers, lack accessible healthcare services. This reality places moms and babies at a risk of complications and death.

Sadly, the infant mortality rate is 16.4 deaths per 1,000 live births — more than triple the rate in the U.S. (5.36 per 1,000 – at the time of writing).

Little ones in the areas we serve are often born into poverty, lacking access to necessities like nutritious meals and continued medical care as they grow. Because of this lack, they’re often more susceptible to disease and malnutrition.

Our Response: Critical Care for Moms & Their Little Ones

Through Compassion’s Nurturers program, we equip local church partners to deliver essential health services and support to moms and their babies. This critical support may look like:

  • Home visits before, during and after delivery with a qualified birth attendant.

  • Regular check-ups and immunizations to protect against disease.

  • Monthly child growth monitoring to ensure healthy development.

  • Nutritious food packages to prevent malnutrition.

  • Classes and education to help moms feel confident in caring for their babies.

Most importantly, moms and babies are welcomed into a caring church community, where they hear the gospel and experience the love of Jesus through hands-on care and encouragement.

By meeting the needs of the youngest in Cambodia, we build a foundation that can shape a generation with the hope of the gospel.

Our Impact in Cambodia

Compassion International, in partnership with the local church, is working to release children in Cambodia from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Data as of: September 16, 2026

7,049

children served (and counting)

69

church partners

3

years serving

A Cambodian woman wearing a red chef hat and apron holds to baskets of food while smiling

Sharing the Gospel Through Food

Jesus changed Sophy’s life. Now, she’s working to change the lives of those living in poverty in her community through warm meals and the hope of the gospel.

A Cambodian woman holds a toddler boy on her lap and places her hand on another boy's head while she prays.

A Pastor's Love for the Least of These

Floods, loss and poverty have left children alone and hopeless in Banteay Meanchey. But there’s a pastor in this province, heeding God’s call to care for them.

How You Can Help Vulnerable Children in Cambodia

You can help Compassion fight back against poverty — in all its forms — throughout Cambodia in three key ways:

Pray

Jeremiah 33:3 says that if we call on God, he will answer us. When we lift up children living in poverty, God hears us, and we can trust he’s working on their behalf. Join us in praying daily for children living in poverty by becoming a prayer partner.

Donate

Children living in poverty face many challenges, from a lack of medical care to dangerous living conditions. You can provide immediate support by donating to fulfill an immediate need.

Become a Compassion Nurturer

By becoming a Compassion Nurturer, you’ll offer Christ-like support to vulnerable moms and babies from pregnancy through their first year together. You’ll open new Nurturer centers, deliver pre- and postnatal care and so much more, helping moms and their babies reach the critical first birthday milestone.

FAQs About Cambodia

Learn more facts about Cambodia, including its rich culture, its resilient people and the challenges they face.

Cambodia is most known for being the home of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. Angkor Wat is a 12th-century Buddhist temple complex with more than 1,000 buildings across over 400 acres. The complex features tall towers, intricate carvings and statues, and even a moat that stretches the entire complex.

Cambodia is also known for Tonle Sap lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake features floating villages, home to families who take advantage of the lake’s fishing opportunities. Hundreds of fish species live in the lake and a range of diverse, endangered bird species take refuge there.

If you were to travel across Cambodia, you’d also see many beautiful white-sand beaches and experience vibrant celebrations, such as the Cambodian New Year. You might trek through a rainforest too, where you might see Asian elephants, sun bears or even leopards.