Philippines

Philippines

area:	300,000sq km (115,300sq mi)
population:	76,498,735
capital (population):	Manila (1,581,082)
government:	Multiparty republic
ethnic groups:	Tagalog 30%, Cebuano 24%, Ilocano 10%, Hiligaynon Ilongo 9%, Bicol 6%, Samar-Leyte 4%
languages:	Filipino (Tagalog) and English (both official)
religions:	Christianity (Roman Catholic 84%, Philippine Independent Church or Aglipayan 6%, Protestant 4%), Islam 4%
currency:	Philippine peso = 100 centavos

Republic in the sw Pacific Ocean, se Asia. The Republic of the Philippines, in Southeast Asia, consists of more than 7000 islands, of which 1000 are inhabited. Luzon and Mindanao islands constitute more than 66% of land area. Luzon includes the capital, Manila, and the second-largest city, Quezon City. The islands are mainly mountainous with several active volcanoes, one of which is the highest peak, Mount Apo, at 2954m (9692ft). Narrow coastal plains give way to forested plateaux.

Climate and Vegetation

The Philippines has a tropical climate, with high annual temperatures. The dry season runs from December to April, but the rest of the year is wet. Much of the rainfall is due to typhoons. Mangrove swamps line many coasts. More than 33% of the land is forested. Much of the land is fertile.

History and Politics

Islam was introduced in the late 14th century. In 1521, the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan landed near Cebu. Spain began its conquest of the islands in 1565. In 1571, the Spanish founded Manila, and named the archipelago Filipinas, after Philip II. It became a vital trading centre, subject to frequent attack from pirates. In 1896, the Filipinos revolted against Spanish rule and declared independence. In the Spanish-American War (1898), the USA defeated the Spanish navy in Manila Bay. Filipinos seized Luzon. Manila was captured with US help. The USA gained control of the islands by the Treaty of Paris (1898). From 1899 to 1902, Filipinos fought against US control. The Commonwealth of the Philippines was established in 1935. Manuel Luis Quezon became the first president.

In 1941, the Japanese invaded, capturing Manila by 1942. US General MacArthur withdrew, and US forces retreated from Bataan. In 1944, the USA began to reclaim the islands. In 1946, the Philippines became an independent republic. The USA was granted a 99-year lease on military bases (subsequently reduced to 25 years from 1967). In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos became president. Marcos' response to mounting civil unrest was brutal. In 1972, he declared martial law. In 1981, Marcos was re-elected amid charges of electoral fraud. In 1983, the leader of the opposition, Benigno Aquino, was assassinated. His widow, Cory Aquino, succeeded him. Marcos claimed victory in 1986 elections, but faced charges of electoral fraud. Cory Aquino launched a campaign of civil disobedience. The USA withdrew its support for Marcos, who was forced into exile. Attempted military coups marred Aquino's presidency. In 1992, Fidel Ramos succeeded Aquino as president and the USA closed its military bases. In 1996, an agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front ended 24 years of rebellion on Mindanao, and saw the creation of a Muslim state. In 1998, the fragile cease-fire crumbled. In /May 1998, former Vice President Joseph Estrada succeeded Ramos. In 2001, a popular rising toppled Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo became president.

Economy

The Philippines is a lower-middle-income developing country (2000 GDP per capita, US$3800). Its economy escaped the worst of the regional economic crisis in 1998. Agriculture employs 45% of the workforce. It is the world's second-largest producer of rice and fourth-largest producer of bananas. Livestock-rearing, forestry, and fishing are important activities.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph