LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY

The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,100 islands strategically situated in the Asia Pacific, one of the fastest growing regions in the world today. It is bounded on the west and north by the South China Sea, on the south by the Celebes Sea and on the east by the Pacific Ocean. Its total land area of almost 300,000 square kilometers includes mountain ranges, fertile coastal and central plains, rolling uplands and a coastline of 18,411 kilometers of which there are 60 natural harbors. Its climate is generally tropical, with distinct seasons ranging from dry (between November and May) to wet (rainy) (usually from June to October). Average rainfall in the Philippines is about 2,030 millimeters and temperatures range from 24C to 31C.

This archipelagic nation is divided into three major island groups: Luzon in the north, Visayas in the middle, and Mindanao farther down in the south. The country is classified into 16 regions which represent groups of provinces. Within the provinces are cities, municipalities, and barangays (smallest local government unit).

THE PHILIPPINES

GDP PER SECTOR

EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR

LAND USE

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH

RESOURCES

The Philippines has abundant natural resources and sizeable mineral deposits, including gold, copper, nickel, chromium and zinc. The country also has reserves of oil and coal, as well as hydro, geothermal, and non-conventional power sources which account for more than a third of its energy consumption.

Agriculture occupies about 10 million hectares. Rice, corn, coconuts, sugarcane, bananas, coffee, mangoes, and pineapples are among the many food crops grown. The country's forest cover has decreased significantly over the past few decades, but the government is actively protecting the remaining six million hectares for sustainable management. The nation's 167 million hectares of territorial waters teem with some of the most extensive and diverse marine resources in the world. About 2.2 million hectares of land, coastal and marine areas have been classified as protected areas by the government.

POPULATION

The Philippines represents a market of approximately 82 million people, a population which grows at an average rate of 2.32% a year. Population density is about 239.66 persons per square kilometer. The urban population is estimated at 45%. It is a young population; 50% of the people are below 22 years old. It is also represents a labor force of about 26 million, the number of Filipinos of working age (between 15 and 64 years). The middle class constitutes 25% of the population and is expected to grow with increased opportunities.

The country is the most highly educated population in Southeast Asia, with a literacy rate of 94%. Education is considered a prime leverage for upward social mobility, and its pursuit is therefore a priority among the people. Its school systems have about 18 million students enrolled in 2000, 65.2% of which are in the elementary level, 25.2% in the secondary level, and 9,6% in the tertiary level.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL SYSTEM

The Republic of the Philippines is a constitutional democracy, with the President as Head of State and Government. The national government has three coequal branches which exercise a system of checks and balances: executive, legislative, and judicial.

The executive branch consists of the President and his Cabinet. The Senate and the House of Representatives make up the bicameral legislature. The Supreme Court heads the system of courts under the judicial branch. Local governments are similar to the executive branch in structure and function. Provinces are headed by governors; cities and municipalities, by mayors; and barangays, by barangay captains.

The Constitution of 1987 is the fundamental law of the land.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL VALUES

Philippine culture is a product of diverse ethnic and historical influences. Majority of the population is of Malay origin. However, the roots of many of its traditions, practices, and gustatory preferences are not only Malay but also Spanish, American, Chinese, and Islamic. These are reflective of the 300 years of the Spanish rule, the 50 years of the American colonization, and the stream of Asian traders who have visited the country throughout its history.

These diverse influences have found their way into more than 87 languages and dialects spoken in the country. However, Filipino as the national language while English is widely spoken and extensively used in business, government and education. Spanish is another popular language.