Cambodia (Khmer: Kampuchea,
officially known as the Kingdom of
Cambodia) is currently experiencing
something of an industrial revolution
in the 21st century. Cambodia is
developing to become an economic
centre for manufacturing and
production, graduating from the status
of a Low income country to a Low-
middle income Country in 2016. As
more international companies move
their production within Cambodia’s
borders, the capital city located on the
banks of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong
River, Phnom Penh, is experiencing rapid
urbanization.
As low-income workers flood the city to
live nearer to employment opportunities,
and to pursue better living conditions,
the city struggles to build infrastructure
and affordable housing to support its new
residents. Despite the national economic
optimism, many urban residents live in
dismal, slum-like conditions. Small multi-
family units with poor ventilation, light, and
water access are offered without proper
rent protection, leaving the city’s most
desperate residents vulnerable to their
landlords. Often, the housing available
to these low-income workers is little more
than a poorly constructed room.