Philippines

Philippines

Comprising more than 7,000 islands Philippines is sandwiched between Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Once a Spanish colony, the country became part of the US following Spanish-American War in 1898. It fell to the advancing armies of Japan during the Second World War. Following the war it attained independence in 1946

In recent times "people power" in Philippines has forced two presidents to quit office. The first to be forced out of power was Ferdinand Marcos whose 20 year rule came to an end in 1986.

Travel overview
The second largest archipelago in the world, Philippines is an appealing destination. The capital Manila is known for it hospitality, boasting excellent nightlife, and ritzy shopping malls. The Boracay beaches attract tourists in large number. Other major tourist attractions in Philippines include the volcanic lake of Taal and Chocolate Hills, famous for trekking. The Cantabon Cave is another tourist destination. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Hundred Islands National Park is a perfect place.

What makes Philippines a compelling destination is the friendliness and distinctly laid back attitude of the Filipinos towards the passage of time.

Capital: Manila
Location: Southeastern Asia
Climate: tropical marine
Total Area: 300,000 sq km
Total Population: 91,077,287
Population Growth Rate: 1.764%
Sex Ratio: 0.999 male(s)/female
Literacy: 92.6%
Ethnic Groups: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Bisaya/Binisaya, Hiligaynon Ilonggo, Bikol , Waray
Irrigated land: 15,500 sq km
Languages: Filipino, English, Tagalog, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Cebuano, Ilocano, Bicol, Pampango, Waray and Pangasinan
Time Zone: UTC+8
Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)
Type of govt.: republic
Head of Govt.: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Major Political Parties: Genuine Opposition or GO, Kabalikat Ng Malayang Pilipino or Kampi, Laban Ng Demokratikong Pilipino or LDP, Lakas Ng Edsa (National Union of Christian Democrats) or Lakas, Liberal Party or LP, Nacionalista, National People's Coalition or NPC, PDP-Laban, People's Reform Party, Pwersa Ng Masang Pilipino (Party of the Philippine Masses) or PMP
Participation in International Organizations: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, APT, ARF, BIS, G-24, G-77, CP, EAS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, ICAO, ICC, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, IPU, ISO, ITSO, MINUSTAH, NAM, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, ONUB, OPCW, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UPU, WCL, WCO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, WFTU, WHO, WTO, WIPO, WMO,
Major Agricultural Products: sugarcane, bananas, cassavas, pineapples, coconuts, rice, corn, mangoes, eggs, beef; pork, fish
Industry & Transport: electronics assembly, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, garments, footwear, wood products, fishing, food processing, petroleum refining,
Airports: 256
Railways: 897 km
Roadways: 200,037 km
Waterways: 3,219 km
Major Trade Partners: Japan, US, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Netherlands
Exports: 47.2 billion
Imports: $51.6 billion