Posted by Serath
PHNOM PENH, Nov 23 - Poverty in Cambodia is concentrated in mountainous areas and the provinces around the Tonle Sap, according to recent data contained in a five-year social protection strategy formulated by the government.
The National Social Protection Strategy for the Poor and Vulnerable for 2011 to 2015 shows poverty rates of 36.6 percent in plateau and mountainous areas and 30.8 percent around the Tonle Sap in 2010.
Poverty in both regions was higher than the national average of 25.8 percent, down from 30.1 percent in 2007.
The rate of poverty was 22.1 percent on the central plains and 21.3 percent in coastal areas.
While poverty has been falling at an average rate of one to two percentage points a year, the strategy says gaps between rich and poor as well as inequality between rural and urban areas remain challenging issues.
In an introduction to the strategy, Prime Minister Hun Sen says: "The most formidable development challenge relates to the reduction of poverty and improving the livelihoods and quality of life of the country's rapidly growing population.
"The Royal Government of Cambodia considers poverty both morally unacceptable and a waste of a valuable economic resources."
A source said the strategy was distributed to government officials earlier this month.
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