With a population of over 60 million, Thailand is a country of enormous cultural and topographical diversity, and is called "The Land of Smiles", due to the fun-loving and easy-going nature of its people. 60% of the nation continue to derive a living from the land with the rural village being an important part of the social fabric. Mercy Aid's involvement is with supporting children from poor rural families with educational opportunities that they would otherwise not have due to the high costs of schooling.