Cambodian Western Style Housing

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the Cambodian government has begun to make vast improvements to westernize its housing system in terms of design and in distribution of land. The author points out that, while urbanization plays a vital role in free market trade and democratic governments, the lack of purchasing power, financial strength and the legal loopholes required to obtain a new home in Phnom Penh are problems for the general Cambodian population. The paper stresses that Cambodians, who were colonized by the French in the late 19th and early 20th century, are accustomed to the centralized living styles of French flats, which provide more communal areas; whereas, the American investors are insisting on implementing western style condominiums, which differ in the sense that the facilities provide more privacy and space.

Table of Contents:
Historical Background
The Need for Land and Growth
Culture and Foreign Investment
History of Housing in Phnom Penh
Cambodian Fiscal System
The Development of French Style Flats and Western Condominiums
Legal Requirements for Construction of Housing
The Cost of Living in the New Phnom Penh
Analysis: French Style Flats versus Western Style Condominiums
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"It is evident that Cambodia has a distinct disadvantage compared to the rest of the Asian countries. Primarily, the remnants of war has left a poverty stricken country with the responsibility of re-shaping its entire government, providing education and health care to needy families and finding adequate professional workers to maintain a new democratic system of public administration. However, there are many advantages to starting over for Cambodia, as the United Nations and the United States have taken a great interest in the rebuilding efforts. With a new, open economy and sufficient developmental programs, Cambodia stands at a crossroads for change."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "The Development Challenge". U.S. AID. August 15, 2005. <http://www.usaid.gov/kh/development_challenge.htm>
• "Cambodia". Asian Research Center. September 20, 2006. <http://www.stjohn.ac.th/arc/Countr1.htm>
• "Cambodia Socio-Economic Survey". National Institute of Statistics. December 1, 2006. <http://www.nis.gov.kh/SURVEYS/CSES2003-04/summary.htm>
• "Cambodia Present and Past". Index of Economic Freedom. The Heritage Foundation. November, 2006. <http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Cambodia>
• "Economic Indicators: Cambodia". Earthtrends. Earthtrends, Inc. December, 2003. <http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/eco_cou_116.pdf>

More papers on Cambodian Western Style Housing:

• Analytical Essay # 131187 : "Cambodian Transition to Western Style Housing Designs"
• Term Paper # 101184 : "Frank Lloyd Wright and his Prairie Style Houses"
• Research Paper # 62968 : "Hong Kong Housing Industry"

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