Cambodia's fortunes along the Mekong

Cambodia's fortunes ebb and flow along the Mekong
(NPR, Feb. 18, 2010)Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia. But it hasn't always been that way, and the Mekong River has been key to its periods of prosperity and ruin.

• Listen to the Story (9 min 2 sec)

The Mekong River, one of the world's longest waterways, has a long and turbulent history. From its source in China's central highlands, it passes through six countries as it makes its way to the South China Sea — a journey of nearly 3,000 miles. In a five-part series, NPR's Southeast Asia correspondent Michael Sullivan journeys the length of the river and tells the story of the people who live along its banks. In Part 4, he reports from Cambodia, where the river has been central to the lives and livelihoods of many in a country that has seen its share of conflict.

• Cambodia's fate flows with the river: Download - Transcript
• Cambodia Tonight (blog)