Philippines

ASEAN Member Country since July 1967

Capital: Manila
Head of State: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Languages: Filipino, English, Spanish
Area (sq. km): 300,000
Population: 85,236,900
GDP (USD): 116.9 billion (2006 estimate)

The Philippines is an amazing archipelago of 7106 islands, sweltering jungles, steaming volcanoes and gorgeous diving. It is heavily flavored by its Spanish and American colonial heritage, making it an interesting convergence of Christianity, mysticism and complex politics.

The hub of national life is Manila, a sprawling metropolis marked by both towering skyscrapers and expansive shantytowns. Endless flows of traffic keep the city running at all hours, and visitors will surely be captivated by its bustling nightlife. Beyond this busy exterior, however, Manila gives way to the cobbled streets and shaded courtyards of Intramuros, which gives an insight into Manila’s Spanish legacy.

Further afield, visitors will be awestruck by the rice terraces of Philippine Cordilleras, where for over 2000 years the people of the Ifugao have followed the contours of the mountains in carving out a sustainable existence through rice agriculture. This harmony between man and nature is symbolic of much activity in the Philippines.

The economy if the Philippines has achieved remarkable growth since rebounding from the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997. Its focus on attracting foreign investment has led to great strides in electronics processing, automotive engineering and even software development, thus positioning Philippines to take full advantage of the information age. In addition, Philippines has maintained the strength of its national currency, the peso, thus aiding its macroeconomic stability.

Filipino society is characterized by strong religious faith, respect for authority and smooth interpersonal relationships. With over 80% of the population identifying themselves as Catholic, the Philippines is the largest Christian country in Asia; and Catholic celebrations are adapted and combined with local festivals to provide a uniquely Filipino experience.