2012 Edition

Background

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 20-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis, expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups, some of which are on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and on-again/off-again peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New People's Army insurgency also operates through much of the country. The Philippines faces increased tension with China over disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Area

300,000 sq km 298,170 sq km 1,830 sq km

total

300,000 sq km

water

1,830 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than Arizona

Climate

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)

Coastline

36,289 km

Elevation extremes

Philippine Sea 0 m Mount Apo 2,954 m

highest point

Mount Apo 2,954 m

lowest point

Philippine Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers; coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%) 343 cu m/yr (2000)

per capita

343 cu m/yr (2000)

total

28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)

Geographic coordinates

13 00 N, 122 00 E

Geography - note

the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands; favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands; favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies

the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

Irrigated land

152,500 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

19% 16.67% 64.33% (2005)

arable land

19%

other

64.33% (2005)

permanent crops

16.67%

Location

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Map references

Southeast Asia

Maritime claims

irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth 200 nm to depth of exploitation

continental shelf

to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth

Natural hazards

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms each year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis significant volcanic activity; Taal (elev. 311 m), which has shown recent unrest and may erupt in the near future, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Mayon (elev. 2,462 m), the country's most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over 33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo and Ragang

volcanism

significant volcanic activity; Taal (elev. 311 m), which has shown recent unrest and may erupt in the near future, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Mayon (elev. 2,462 m), the country's most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over 33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo and Ragang

Natural resources

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Terrain

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Total renewable water resources

479 cu km (1999)

Age structure

34.3% (male 18,175,763/ female 17,452,488) 61.3% (male 31,837,152/ female 31,796,606) 4.3% (male 1,948,152/ female 2,564,841) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

34.3% (male 18,175,763/ female 17,452,488)

15-64 years

61.3% (male 31,837,152/ female 31,796,606)

65 years and over

4.3% (male 1,948,152/ female 2,564,841) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

24.98 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

20.7% (2003)

Death rate

4.98 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Education expenditures

2.8% of GDP (2008)

Ethnic groups

Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)

Health expenditures

3.8% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

less than 0.1% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 200 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,700 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

0.5 beds/1,000 population (2006)

Infant mortality rate

18.75 deaths/1,000 live births 21.21 deaths/1,000 live births 16.18 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

16.18 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

18.75 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Life expectancy at birth

71.94 years 68.99 years 75.03 years (2012 est.)

female

75.03 years (2012 est.)

total population

71.94 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 92.6% 92.5% 92.7% (2000 census)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

92.7% (2000 census)

male

92.5%

total population

92.6%

Major cities - population

MANILA (capital) 11.449 million; Davao 1.48 million; Cebu City 845,000; Zamboanga 827,000 (2009)

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis leptospirosis (2009)

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis

water contact disease

leptospirosis (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

99 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

23.1 years 22.6 years 23.6 years (2012 est.)

female

23.6 years (2012 est.)

male

22.6 years

total

23.1 years

Nationality

Filipino(s) Philippine

adjective

Philippine

noun

Filipino(s)

Net migration rate

-1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

4.3% (2003)

Physicians density

1.153 physicians/1,000 population (2004)

Population

103,775,002 (July 2012 est.)

Population growth rate

1.873% (2012 est.)

Religions

Catholic 82.9% (Roman Catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan 2%), Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 80% of population rural: 69% of population total: 76% of population urban: 20% of population rural: 31% of population total: 24% of population

rural

31% of population

total

24% of population

urban

20% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 12 years (2008)

female

12 years (2008)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.76 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.76 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.04 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

3.15 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

17.4% 16.2% 19.3% (2009)

female

19.3% (2009)

total

17.4%

Urbanization

49% of total population (2010) 2.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

2.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

49% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

80 provinces and 39 chartered cities Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caloocan, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Lucena, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, San Juan, Santiago, Tacloban, Taguig, Valenzuela, Zamboanga (2012)

chartered cities

Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caloocan, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Lucena, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, San Juan, Santiago, Tacloban, Taguig, Valenzuela, Zamboanga (2012)

provinces

Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay

Capital

Manila 14 36 N, 120 58 E UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

14 36 N, 120 58 E

name

Manila

time difference

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Country name

Republic of the Philippines Philippines Republika ng Pilipinas Pilipinas

conventional long form

Republic of the Philippines

conventional short form

Philippines

local long form

Republika ng Pilipinas

local short form

Pilipinas

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Harry K. THOMAS Jr. 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000 [63] (2) 301-2000 [63] (2) 301-2399

chief of mission

Ambassador Harry K. THOMAS Jr.

embassy

1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila

FAX

[63] (2) 301-2399

mailing address

PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000

telephone

[63] (2) 301-2000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Jose L. CUISIA Jr. 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 [1] (202) 467-9300 [1] (202) 467-9417 Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

chancery

1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

chief of mission

Ambassador Jose L. CUISIA Jr.

consulate(s) general

Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

FAX

[1] (202) 467-9417

telephone

[1] (202) 467-9300

Executive branch

President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010); Vice President Jejomar BINAY (since 30 June 2010); note - president is both chief of state and head of government President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010) Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of Commission of Appointments president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term; election held on 10 May 2010 (next election to be held in May 2016) Benigno AQUINO elected president; percent of vote - Benigno AQUINO 42.1%, Joseph ESTRADA 26.3%, seven others 31.6%; Jejomar BINAY elected vice president; percent of vote Jejomar BINAY 41.6%, Manuel ROXAS 39.6%, six others 18.8%

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of Commission of Appointments

chief of state

President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010); Vice President Jejomar BINAY (since 30 June 2010); note - president is both chief of state and head of government

election results

Benigno AQUINO elected president; percent of vote - Benigno AQUINO 42.1%, Joseph ESTRADA 26.3%, seven others 31.6%; Jejomar BINAY elected vice president; percent of vote Jejomar BINAY 41.6%, Manuel ROXAS 39.6%, six others 18.8%

elections

president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term; election held on 10 May 2010 (next election to be held in May 2016)

head of government

President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010)

Flag description

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star; blue stands for peace and justice, red symbolizes courage, the white equal-sided triangle represents equality; the rays recall the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain, while the stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897 in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star; b

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897

Government type

republic

Independence

12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4 July 1946 (from the US)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer), CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (15 justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age); Court of Appeals; Sandigan-bayan (special court for hearing corruption cases of government officials)

Legal system

mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic, and customary law

Legislative branch

bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members elected at large by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Nga Kinatawan (287 seats - 230 members in one tier representing districts and 57 sectoral party-list members in a second tier representing special minorities elected on the basis of one seat for every 2% of the total vote but with each party limited to three seats); a party represented in one tier may not hold seats in the other tier; all House members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms the constitution limits the House of Representatives to 250 members; the number of members allowed was increased, however, through legislation when in April 2009 the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that additional party members could sit in the House of Representatives if they received the required number of votes Senate - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013); House of Representatives - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 4, LP 4, NP 4, NPC 2, PMP 2, LDP 1, PRP 1, independents 5; note - there are 23 rather than 24 sitting senators because one senator was elected mayor of Manila; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LP 119, Lakas-Kampi CMD 46, NPC 30, NP 22, others 10, independents 1, party-list 55; vacant seats - 1 district and 2 party-list

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 4, LP 4, NP 4, NPC 2, PMP 2, LDP 1, PRP 1, independents 5; note - there are 23 rather than 24 sitting senators because one senator was elected mayor of Manila; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LP 119, Lakas-Kampi CMD 46, NPC 30, NP 22, others 10, independents 1, party-list 55; vacant seats - 1 district and 2 party-list

elections

Senate - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013); House of Representatives - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013)

National anthem

"Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land) Jose PALMA (revised by Felipe PADILLA de Leon)/Julian FELIPE music adopted 1898, original Spanish lyrics adopted 1899, Filipino (Tagalog) lyrics adopted 1956; although the original lyrics were written in Spanish, later English and Filipino versions were created; today, only the Filipino version is used

lyrics/music

Jose PALMA (revised by Felipe PADILLA de Leon)/Julian FELIPE

name

"Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land)

National holiday

Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from US

National symbol(s)

Philippine eagle

Political parties and leaders

Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD [Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO]; Liberal Party or LP [Manuel ROXAS]; Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel VILLAR]; Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC [Frisco SAN JUAN]; PDP-Laban [Aquilino PIMENTEL]; People's Reform Party [Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO]; Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Philippine Masses) or PMP [Joseph ESTRADA]

Political pressure groups and leaders

ABONO [Robert ESTRELLA]; AKBAYAN [Walden BELLO]; An Waray [Florencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Rafael MARIANO]; ARC [Narciso SANTIAGO III]; Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Ponciano PAYUYO]; A TEACHER [Mariano PIAMONTE]; BAGON HENERASYON [Bernadette HERRERA-DY]; Bayan Muna [Teodoro CASINO, Jr.]; Black and White Movement [Vicente ROMANO]; BUHAY [Rene VELARDE]; BUTIL [Leonila CHAVEZ]; CIBAC [Cinchoa CRUZ-GONZALES]; COOP-NATCO [Jose PING-AY]; GABRIELA [Luzviminda ILAGAN]; KABATAAN [Raymon PALATINO]; Kilosbayan [Jovito SALONGA]; YACAP [Carol LOPEZ]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas, pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Budget

$35.16 billion $41.57 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$41.57 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$35.16 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.7% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

3.8% (31 December 2010 est.) 3.5% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

7.2% (31 December 2012 est.) 6.66% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$12.15 billion (2012 est.) $7.078 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$68.39 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $72.22 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

45.8 (2006) 46.6 (2003)

Economy - overview

Philippine GDP grew 7.6% in 2010, spurred by consumer demand, a rebound in exports and investments, and election-related spending, before cooling to 3.9% in 2011, and 4.8% in 2012. The economy weathered the 2008-09 global recession better than its regional peers due to minimal exposure to troubled international securities, lower dependence on exports, relatively resilient domestic consumption, large remittances from four- to five-million overseas Filipino workers, and a growing business process outsourcing industry. Economic growth in the Philippines averaged 4.5% during the MACAPAGAL-ARROYO administration (January 2001 - June 2010). Despite this growth, however, poverty worsened during her presidency. The AQUINO administration is working to reduce the government deficit from 3.9% of GDP, when it took office, to 2% of GDP in 2013. The government has had little difficulty issuing debt, both locally and internationally, to finance the deficits. The AQUINO Administration reduced public debt to below 50% of GDP and obtained several ratings upgrades on sovereign debt so that the Philippines is now close to investment grade. However, the lack of government spending, especially on infrastructure, was one of several factors which slowed GDP growth in the second half of 2011, leading the government to announce a stimulus effort and increased public spending on infrastructure in 2012. AQUINO's first budget emphasized education, health, conditional cash transfers for the poor, and other social spending programs, relying mostly on the private sector to finance important infrastructure projects. Weak tax collection, exacerbated by new tax breaks and incentives, has limited the government's ability to address major challenges. The AQUINO administration has vowed to focus on improving tax collection efficiency, rather than imposing new taxes, as a part of its good governance platform. The economy still faces several long-term challenges, including reliance on energy imports and foreign demand for overseas Filipino workers.

Exchange rates

Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 42.56 (2012 est.) 43.313 (2011 est.) 45.11 (2010 est.) 47.68 (2009) 44.439 (2008)

Exports

$52.17 billion (2012 est.) $47.23 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, fruits

Exports - partners

Japan 18.5%, US 14.8%, China 12.7%, Singapore 8.9%, Hong Kong 7.7%, South Korea 4.6% (2011)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition by sector

12.4% 31.3% 56.4% (2012 est.)

agriculture

12.4%

industry

31.3%

services

56.4% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$4,300 (2012 est.) $4,100 (2011 est.) $4,100 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4.8% (2012 est.) 3.9% (2011 est.) 7.6% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$240.7 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$416.7 billion (2012 est.) $397.5 billion (2011 est.) $382.5 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.6% 33.6% (2009 est.)

highest 10%

33.6% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%

2.6%

Imports

$63.42 billion (2012 est.) $62.68 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains, chemicals, plastic

Imports - partners

Japan 10.8%, US 10.8%, China 10.1%, Singapore 8.1%, South Korea 7.3%, Thailand 5.8%, Saudi Arabia 5.4%, Malaysia 4.4% (2011)

Industrial production growth rate

1.1% (2011 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.4% (2012 est.) 4.7% (2011 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

19.7% of GDP (2012 est.)

Labor force

40.73 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

33% 15% 52% (2010 est.)

agriculture

33%

industry

15%

services

52% (2010 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$202.3 billion (31 December 2010) $130.5 billion (31 December 2009) $85.63 billion (31 December 2008)

Population below poverty line

26.5% (2009 est.)

Public debt

50.6% of GDP (2012 est.) 50.9% of GDP (2011 est.) data cover central government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$80.58 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $75.3 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$132.5 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $126 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$6.69 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $6.59 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$28.58 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $27.58 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$125.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $112.6 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$36.67 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $32.18 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

14.6% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

6.9% (2012 est.) 7% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

85.63 million Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

28,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

176,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

26,640 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

138.5 million bbl (1 January 2013 est.)

Electricity - consumption

51.3 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

66.1% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

21.1% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

12.8% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

15.58 million kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

64.16 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

2.86 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - production

2.86 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

315,600 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

29,120 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

134,200 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

179,700 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Broadcast media

multiple national private TV and radio networks; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems available; five national or major TV networks; three government-owned networks; five major cable TV networks and a government-operated national TV and radio network; about 300 analog TV stations; more than 1,000 radio stations (2010)

Internet country code

.ph

Internet hosts

425,812 (2012)

Internet users

8.278 million (2009)

Telephone system

good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate telecommunications infrastructure includes the following platforms: fixed line, mobile cellular, cable TV, over-the-air TV, radio and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), fiber optic cable, and satellite; mobile-cellular communications now dominate the industry country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and Europe; multiple international gateways

domestic

telecommunications infrastructure includes the following platforms: fixed line, mobile cellular, cable TV, over-the-air TV, radio and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), fiber optic cable, and satellite; mobile-cellular communications now dominate the industry

general assessment

good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate

international

country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and Europe; multiple international gateways

Telephones - main lines in use

3.556 million (2011)

Telephones - mobile cellular

94.19 million (2011)

Airports

247 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

9 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

31

2,438 to 3,047 m

8

914 to 1,523 m

31

over 3,047 m

4

total

83

under 914 m

9 (2012)

Airports - with unpaved runways

101 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

3

914 to 1,523 m

60

total

164

under 914 m

101 (2012)

Heliports

2 (2012)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 76, cargo 152, carrier 12, chemical tanker 27, container 17, liquefied gas 5, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 65, petroleum tanker 44, refrigerated cargo 20, roll on/roll off 11, vehicle carrier 10 159 (Bermuda 47, China 4, Denmark 2, Germany 2, Greece 5, Japan 77, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 17, Singapore 1, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, UAE 1) 7 (Cyprus 1, Panama 5, unknown 1) (2010)

foreign-owned

159 (Bermuda 47, China 4, Denmark 2, Germany 2, Greece 5, Japan 77, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 17, Singapore 1, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, UAE 1)

registered in other countries

7 (Cyprus 1, Panama 5, unknown 1) (2010)

total

446

Pipelines

gas 7 km; oil 107 km; refined products 181 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila

Railways

995 km 995 km 1.067-m gauge (484 km are in operation) (2010)

total

995 km

Roadways

213,151 km 54,481 km 158,670 km (2009)

total

213,151 km

unpaved

158,670 km (2009)

Transportation - note

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Waterways

3,219 km (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m) (2011)

Manpower available for military service

25,614,135 25,035,061 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

25,035,061 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

25,614,135

Manpower fit for military service

20,142,940 21,427,792 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

21,427,792 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

20,142,940

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

1,060,319 1,021,069 (2010 est.)

female

1,021,069 (2010 est.)

male

1,060,319

Military branches

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2011)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2011)

Military expenditures

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18-23 years of age (officers 20-24) for voluntary military service; applicants must be single male or female Philippine citizens with either 72 college credit hours (enlisted) or a baccalaureate degree (officers) (2012)

Disputes - international

Philippines claims sovereignty over Scarborough Reef (also claimed by China together with Taiwan) and over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf; maritime delimitation negotiations continue with Palau

Illicit drugs

domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years despite government crackdowns; major consumer of amphetamines; longstanding marijuana producer mainly in rural areas where Manila's control is limited

Refugees and internally displaced persons

at least 843,000 (government troops fighting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the New People's Army; clan feuds; natural disasters (December 2012 Typhoon Bopha)) (2013)

IDPs

at least 843,000 (government troops fighting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the New People's Army; clan feuds; natural disasters (December 2012 Typhoon Bopha)) (2013)