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Communications

Internet country code [time series]

.ph

Internet users (Internet hosts) [time series]

283,579 (2008)

Internet users [time series]

5.3 million (2007)

Broadcast media (Radio broadcast stations) [time series]

AM 381, FM 628, shortwave 4 (each shortwave station operates on multiple frequencies in the language of the target audience) (2007)

Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]

general assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations; cellular communications now dominate the industry; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone density about 60 telephones per 100 persons international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and Europe; multiple international gateways (2007)

Telephones - fixed lines (Telephones - main lines in use) [time series]

3.633 million (2006)

Telephones - mobile cellular [time series]

51.795 million (2007)

Broadcast media (Television broadcast stations) [time series]

250 (plus 1,501 CATV networks) (2007)

Economy

Agricultural products (Agriculture - products) [time series]

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

Budget [time series]

revenues: $24.63 billion expenditures: $24.9 billion (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate [time series]

4.28% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate [time series]

8.69% (31 December 2007)

Exchange rates (Currency (code)) [time series]

Philippine peso (PHP)

Current account balance [time series]

$6.351 billion (2007 est.)

Debt - external [time series]

$61.78 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income (Distribution of family income - Gini index) [time series]

45.8 (2006)

Economic overview (Economy - overview) [time series]

The Philippine economy grew at its fastest pace in three decades with real GDP growth exceeding 7% in 2007. Higher government spending contributed to the growth, but a resilient service sector and large remittances from the millions of Filipinos who work abroad have played an increasingly important role. Economic growth has averaged 5% since President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office in 2001. Nevertheless, the Philippines will need still higher, sustained growth to make progress in alleviating poverty, given its high population growth and unequal distribution of income. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO averted a fiscal crisis by pushing for new revenue measures and, until recently, tightening expenditures. Declining fiscal deficits, tapering debt and debt service ratios, as well as recent efforts to increase spending on infrastructure and social services have heightened optimism over Philippine economic prospects. Although the general macroeconomic outlook has improved significantly, the Philippines continues to face important challenges and must maintain the reform momentum in order to catch up with regional competitors, improve employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty. Longer-term fiscal stability will require more sustainable revenue sources, rather than non-recurring revenues from privatization.

Electricity - consumption [time series]

47.04 billion kWh (2006 est.)

Electricity - exports [time series]

0 kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports [time series]

0 kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - production [time series]

56.51 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Exchange rates [time series]

Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006), 55.086 (2005), 56.04 (2004), 54.203 (2003)

Exports [time series]

$49.32 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities [time series]

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

Exports - partners [time series]

US 17%, Japan 14.5%, Hong Kong 11.5%, China 11.4%, Netherlands 8.2%, Singapore 6.2%, Malaysia 5%, Germany 4.3% (2007)

GDP (official exchange rate) [time series]

$144.1 billion (2007 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (GDP (purchasing power parity)) [time series]

$300.1 billion (2007 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin (GDP - composition by sector) [time series]

agriculture: 13.8% industry: 31.7% services: 54.5% (2007 est.)

Real GDP per capita (GDP - per capita (PPP)) [time series]

$3,200 (2007 est.)

Real GDP growth rate (GDP - real growth rate) [time series]

7.3% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share [time series]

lowest 10%: 2.4% highest 10%: 31.2% (2006)

Imports [time series]

$57.56 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities [time series]

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

Imports - partners [time series]

US 14.1%, Japan 12.3%, Singapore 11.2%, Taiwan 7.3%, China 7.2%, Saudi Arabia 6.4%, South Korea 5.9%, Malaysia 4.1%, Thailand 4.1% (2007)

Industrial production growth rate [time series]

7.1% (2007 est.)

Industries [time series]

electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, fishing

Inflation rate (consumer prices) [time series]

2.8% (2007 est.)

Investment (gross fixed) [time series]

14.8% of GDP (2007 est.)

Labor force [time series]

36.22 million (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation [time series]

agriculture: 35% industry: 15% services: 50% (2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares [time series]

$103.4 billion (2007)

Natural gas - consumption [time series]

2.2 billion cu m (2006 est.)

Natural gas - exports [time series]

0 cu m (2007 est.)

Natural gas - imports [time series]

0 cu m (2007 est.)

Natural gas - production [time series]

2.2 billion cu m (2006 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves [time series]

98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2008 est.)

Oil - consumption [time series]

340,100 bbl/day (2006 est.)

Oil - exports [time series]

41,160 bbl/day (2005)

Oil - imports [time series]

355,800 bbl/day (2005)

Oil - production [time series]

23,930 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - proved reserves [time series]

138.5 million bbl (1 January 2008 est.)

Public debt [time series]

55.8% of GDP (2007 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold [time series]

$33.75 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad [time series]

$5.584 billion (2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home [time series]

$19.88 billion (2007 est.)

Stock of domestic credit [time series]

$65.66 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money (Stock of money) [time series]

$21.27 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money (Stock of quasi money) [time series]

$65.85 billion (31 December 2007)

Unemployment rate [time series]

7.3% (2007 est.)

Geography

Area [time series]

total: 300,000 sq km land: 298,170 sq km water: 1,830 sq km

Area - comparative [time series]

slightly larger than Arizona

Climate [time series]

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

Coastline [time series]

36,289 km

Elevation (Elevation extremes) [time series]

lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Environment - current issues [time series]

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

International environmental agreements (Environment - international agreements) [time series]

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

Total water withdrawal (Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)) [time series]

total: 28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%) per capita: 343 cu m/yr (2000)

Geographic coordinates [time series]

13 00 N, 122 00 E

Geography - note [time series]

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 [time series]

15,500 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries [time series]

0 km

Land use [time series]

arable land: 19% permanent crops: 16.67% other: 64.33% (2005)

Location [time series]

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

Map references [time series]

Southeast Asia

Maritime claims [time series]

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 exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Natural hazards [time series]

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis

Natural resources [time series]

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

Terrain [time series]

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Total renewable water resources [time series]

479 cu km (1999)

Government

Administrative divisions [time series]

81 provinces and 136 chartered cities 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, Shariff Kabunsuan, 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 chartered cities: Alaminos, Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Bago, Baguio, Bais, Balanga, Batac, Batangas, Bayawan, Baybay, Bayugan, Bislig, Bogo, Borongan, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Cabanatuan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Calapan, Calbayog, Candon, Canlaon, Carcar, Catbalogan, Cauayan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Danao, Dapitan, Davao, Digos, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Escalante, El Salvador, Gapan, General Santos, Gingoog, Guihulngan, Himamaylan, Iligan, Iloilo, Isabela, Iriga, Kabankalan, Kalookan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, La Carlota, Lamitan, Laoag, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Legazpi, Ligao, Lipa, Lucena, Maasin, Makati, Malabon, Malaybalay, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marawi, Marikina, Masbate, Mati, Meycauayan, Muntinlupa, Munoz, Naga (Camarines Sur), Naga (Cebu), Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Oroquieta, Ozamis, Pagadian, Palayan, Panabo, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Passi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, Roxas, Sagay, Samal, San Carlos (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos (in Pangasinan), San Fernando (in La Union), San Fernando (in Pampanga), San Jose, San Jose del Monte, San Juan, San Pablo, Santa Rosa, Santiago, Silay, Sipalay, Sorsogon, Surigao, Tabaco, Tabuk, Tacloban, Tacurong, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Taguig, Tagum, Talisay (in Cebu), Talisay (in Negros Occidental), Tanauan, Tandag, Tangub, Tanjay, Tarlac, Tayabas, Toledo, Tuguegarao, Trece Martires, Urdaneta, Valencia, Valenzuela, Victorias, Vigan, Zamboanga (2007)

Capital [time series]

name: Manila geographic coordinates: 14 35 N, 121 00 E time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution [time series]

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Country name [time series]

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 [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000 telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000 FAX: [63] (2) 301-2399

Diplomatic representation in the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300 FAX: [1] (202) 467-9417 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), Tamuning (Guam)

Executive branch [time series]

chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January 2001); note - president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January 2001) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of Commission of Appointments elections: president and vice president (Manuel "Noli" DE CASTRO) elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held on 10 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2010) election results: Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected president; percent of vote - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 40%, Fernando POE 37%, three others 23%

Flag (Flag description) [time series]

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top; representing peace and justice) and red (representing courage); a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side represents equality; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays, each representing one of the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star representing 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

Government type [time series]

republic

Independence [time series]

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

International organization participation [time series]

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

Judicial branch [time series]

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 [time series]

based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Legislative branch [time series]

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 Mga Kinatawan (as a result of May 2007 election it has 239 seats including 218 members representing districts and 21 sectoral party-list members representing special minorities elected on the basis of 1 seat for every 2% of the total vote but limited to 3 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; note - the Constitution prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250 members) elections: Senate - last held on 14 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2010); House of Representatives - elections last held on 14 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2010) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lakas-Kampi 4, LP 4, NPC 3, Nacionalista 2, independents 4, others 6; 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 - Lakas 86, Kampi 46, NPC 29, LP 21, Party-list 21, others 36

National holiday [time series]

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

Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]

Genuine Opposition or GO (coalition of oppositon parties formed to contest the 2007 elections); Kabalikat Ng Malayang Pilipino or Kampi [Ronaldo PUNO]; Laban Ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas Ng Edsa (National Union of Christian Democrats) or Lakas [Jose DE VENECIA]; Liberal Party or LP [Manuel ROXAS]; Nacionalista [Manuel VILLAR]; National People's Coalition or NPC [Frisco SAN JUAN]; PDP-Laban [Aquilino PIMENTEL]; People's Reform Party [Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO]; PROMDI [Emilio OSMENA]; Pwersa Ng Masang Pilipino (Party of the Philippine Masses) or PMP [Joseph ESTRADA]; Reporma [Renato DE VILLA]

Political parties (Political pressure groups and leaders) [time series]

AKBAYAN [Etta ROSALES, Mario AGUJA, and Risa HONTIVEROS-BARAQUIEL]; ALAGAD [Rodante MARROLITA]; ALIF [Acmad TOMAWIS]; An Waray [Horencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Crispin BELTRAN and Rafael MARIANO]; Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Sunny Rose MADAMBA, Ernesto PABLO, and Edgar VALDEZ]; AVE [Eulogio MAGSAYSAY]; Bayan Muna [Satur OCAMPO, Joel VIRADOR, and Teodoro CASINO, Jr.]; BUHAY [Rene VELARDE and Hans Christian SENERES]; BUTIL [Benjamin CRUZ]; CIBAC [Emmanuel Joel VILLANUEVA]; COOP-NATCO [Guillermo CUA]; GABRIELA [Liza MAZA]; Partido Ng Manggagawa [Renato MAGTUBO]; Veterans Federation of the Philippines [Ernesto GIDAYA]

Suffrage [time series]

18 years of age; universal

Introduction

Background [time series]

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. The 20-year rule of 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, which prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998, but 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. The Philippine Government faces threats from three terrorist groups on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list, but in 2006 and 2007 scored some major successes in capturing or killing key wanted terrorists. Decades of Muslim insurgency in the southern Philippines have led to a peace accord with one group and an ongoing cease-fire and peace talks with another.

Military

Manpower available for military service [time series]

males age 16-49: 23,547,252 females age 16-49: 23,177,487 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service [time series]

males age 16-49: 18,232,050 females age 16-49: 19,827,538 (2008 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually [time series]

male: 1,012,779 female: 977,030 (2008 est.)

Military and security forces (Military branches) [time series]

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2008)

Military expenditures [time series]

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation [time series]

18-25 years of age (officers 21-29) for compulsory and voluntary military service; applicants must be single male or female Philippine citizens (2007)

People

Age structure [time series]

0-14 years: 35.5% (male 17,392,780/female 16,708,255) 15-64 years: 60.4% (male 28,986,232/female 29,076,329) 65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,682,485/female 2,215,602) (2008 est.)

Birth rate [time series]

26.42 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Death rate [time series]

5.15 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Education expenditure (Education expenditures) [time series]

2.5% of GDP (2005)

Ethnic groups [time series]

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)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate [time series]

less than 0.1% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths [time series]

fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS [time series]

9,000 (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate [time series]

total: 21.2 deaths/1,000 live births male: 23.86 deaths/1,000 live births female: 18.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2008 est.)

Languages [time series]

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 [time series]

total population: 70.8 years male: 67.89 years female: 73.85 years (2008 est.)

Literacy [time series]

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 92.6% male: 92.5% female: 92.7% (2000 census)

Major infectious diseases [time series]

degree of risk: high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria (2008)

Median age [time series]

total: 22.3 years male: 21.8 years female: 22.8 years (2008 est.)

Nationality [time series]

noun: Filipino(s) adjective: Philippine

Net migration rate [time series]

-1.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Population [time series]

96,061,680 (July 2008 est.)

Population growth rate [time series]

1.991% (2008 est.)

Religions [time series]

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

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) [time series]

total: 12 years male: 11 years female: 12 years (2006)

Sex ratio [time series]

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2008 est.)

Total fertility rate [time series]

3.32 children born/woman (2008 est.)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international [time series]

Philippines claims sovereignty 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 [time series]

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 [time series]

IDPs: 300,000 (fighting between government troops and MILF and Abu Sayyaf groups) (2007)

Transportation

Airports [time series]

255 (2007)

Airports - with paved runways [time series]

total: 84 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 26 914 to 1,523 m: 36 under 914 m: 10 (2007)

Airports - with unpaved runways [time series]

total: 171 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 68 under 914 m: 99 (2007)

Heliports [time series]

2 (2007)

Merchant marine [time series]

total: 391 by type: bulk carrier 75, cargo 125, carrier 16, chemical tanker 17, container 6, liquefied gas 5, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 68, petroleum tanker 36, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/roll off 11, vehicle carrier 11 foreign-owned: 161 (Bermuda 34, China 4, Greece 4, Hong Kong 1, Japan 81, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 23, Norway 10, Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UAE 1) registered in other countries: 11 (Comoros 1, Cyprus 1, Hong Kong 1, Indonesia 1, Panama 7) (2008)

Pipelines [time series]

gas 565 km; oil 135 km; refined products 105 km (2007)

Ports (Ports and terminals) [time series]

Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila, Nasipit Harbor

Railways [time series]

total: 897 km narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (492 km are in operation) (2006)

Roadways [time series]

total: 200,037 km paved: 19,804 km unpaved: 180,233 km (2003)

Transportation - note [time series]

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 [time series]

3,219 km (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m) (2007)