Philippines

Internet country code

.ph

Internet hosts

283,607 (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Internet users

5.618 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 42

Radio broadcast stations

AM 381, FM 628, shortwave 4 (2007)

Telephone system

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 80 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 (2008)

Telephones - main lines in use

3.905 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 40

Telephones - mobile cellular

68.102 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 14

Television broadcast stations

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

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

revenues: $27.05 billion expenditures: $28.58 billion (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate

6% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 113 4.28% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

8.75% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 97 8.69% (31 December 2007)

Current account balance

$4.227 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $7.119 billion (2007 est.)

Debt - external

$66.27 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $61.78 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

45.8 (2006) country comparison to the world: 40 46.6 (2003)

Economy - overview

Economic growth has averaged 5% since President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office in 2001. 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, and increased spending on infrastructure and social services bolstered optimism over Philippine economic prospects. Although the general macroeconomic outlook improved significantly in recent years, the economy still faces several long term challenges. The Philippines must maintain the reform momentum in order to catch up with regional competitors, improve employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty. The Philippines will need still higher, sustained growth to make progress in alleviating poverty, given its high population growth and unequal distribution of income. The Philippine economy grew at its fastest pace in three decades in 2007 with real GDP growth exceeding 7%, but growth slowed to 3.8% in 2008 as a result of the world financial crisis. High government spending, a relatively small trade sector, a resilient service sector, and large remittances from the four- to five-million Filipinos who work abroad have helped cushion the economy from the current financial crisis.

Electricity - consumption

48.96 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - production

56.57 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Exchange rates

Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 44.439 (2008 est.), 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006), 55.086 (2005), 56.04 (2004)

Exports

$48.2 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $49.51 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

US 16.7%, Japan 15.7%, China 11.1%, Hong Kong 10.1%, Netherlands 7.5%, Singapore 5.3%, South Korea 5.1%, Germany 5% (2008)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$166.9 billion (2008 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$318.2 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $306.6 billion (2007 est.) $286.2 billion (2006 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector

agriculture: 14.7% industry: 31.6% services: 53.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,300 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $3,300 (2007 est.) $3,100 (2006 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 7.1% (2007 est.) 5.3% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

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

Imports

$60.78 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $57.9 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

US 12.8%, Japan 11.8%, Singapore 10.3%, Saudi Arabia 8.5%, China 7.5%, South Korea 5.2%, Thailand 5%, Malaysia 4.3% (2008)

Industrial production growth rate

5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

9.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 2.8% (2007 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

14.8% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Labor force

36.81 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture: 35% industry: 15% services: 50% (2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$52.1 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 47 $103.2 billion (31 December 2007) $68.38 billion (31 December 2006)

Natural gas - consumption

2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - production

2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - proved reserves

98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - consumption

320,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - exports

36,720 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - imports

342,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - production

25,120 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - proved reserves

138.5 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Population below poverty line

30% (2003 est.)

Public debt

56.9% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 74.2% of GDP (September 2004 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$37.55 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $33.75 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$5.81 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $5.584 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$21.4 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $19.88 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$NA (31 December 2008) $65.66 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of money

$22.53 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 34 $21.27 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money

$NA (31 December 2008) $65.85 billion (31 December 2007)

Unemployment rate

7.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 7.3% (2007 est.)

Area

total: 300,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 72 land: 298,170 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

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

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)

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

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

Irrigated land

15,500 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

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

Location

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

Map references

Southeast Asia

Maritime claims

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

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

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)

Administrative divisions

80 provinces and 120 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, 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, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Cabanatuan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Calapan, Calbayog, Candon, Canlaon, Cauayan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Danao, Dapitan, Davao, Digos, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Escalante, Gapan, General Santos, Gingoog, Himamaylan, Iligan, Iloilo, Isabela, Iriga, Kabankalan, Kalookan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, La Carlota, 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, 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, Tacloban, Tacurong, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Taguig, Tagum, Talisay (in Cebu), Talisay (in Negros Occidental), Tanauan, Tangub, Tanjay, Tarlac, Toledo, Tuguegarao, Trece Martires, Urdaneta, Valencia, Valenzuela, Victorias, Vigan, Zamboanga (2009)

Capital

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

Constitution

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Country name

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

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

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, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

Executive branch

chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January 2001); Vice President (Manuel "Noli" DE CASTRO (since 10 May 2004); 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 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 description

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

republic

Independence

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

International organization participation

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

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

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

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 (as a result of May 2007 election it has 240 seats including 218 members representing districts and 22 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 4, LP 4, Nacionalista 3, NPC 2, PDP-Laban 2, PMP 2, Kampi 1, LDP 1, PRP 1, independents 3; 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 92, Kampi 54, NPC 25, LP 21, Party-list 22, independents 3, others 26; there are 238 rather than 240 sitting representatives because two died in office

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

Political parties and leaders

Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino or Kampi [Luis VILLAFUERTE]; Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD [Prospero NOGRALES]; 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]; United Opposition or UNO [Jejomar BINAY] note: Lakas-CMD and Kampi merged on 29 May 2009 to form Lakas-Kampi CMD

Political pressure groups and leaders

ABONO [Robert ESTRELLA]; AKBAYAN [Anna Theresia BARAQUIEL]; An Waray [Florencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Rafael MARIANO]; ARC [Narciso SANTIAGO III]; Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Ernesto PABLO and Edgar VALDEZ]; A TEACHER [Mariano PIAMONTE]; Bayan Muna [Satur OCAMPO and Teodoro CASINO, Jr.]; Black and White Movement [Vicente ROMANO]; BUHAY [Rene VELARDE, Carissa COSCOLLUELLA, and William TIENG]; BUTIL [Leonila CHAVEZ]; CIBAC [Emmanuel Joel VILLANUEVA]; COOP-NATCO [Jose PING-AY]; GABRIELA [Liza MAZA and Luzviminda ILAGAN]; Kilosbayan [Jovito SALONGA]; YACAP [Carol LOPEZ]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

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. 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 on-again/off-again peace talks with another.

Manpower available for military service

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

Manpower fit for military service

males age 16-49: 19,169,298 females age 16-49: 20,636,853 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

male: 1,023,431 female: 986,434 (2009 est.)

Military branches

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps and Coast Guard), Air Force (2009)

Military expenditures

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Military service age and obligation

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

Age structure

0-14 years: 35.2% (male 17,606,352/female 16,911,376) 15-64 years: 60.6% (male 29,679,327/female 29,737,919) 65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,744,248/female 2,297,381) (2009 est.)

Birth rate

26.01 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Death rate

5.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Education expenditures

2.5% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 158

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)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

less than 0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Infant mortality rate

total: 20.56 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 104 male: 23.17 deaths/1,000 live births female: 17.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

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

total population: 71.09 years country comparison to the world: 133 male: 68.17 years female: 74.15 years (2009 est.)

Literacy

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

Major infectious diseases

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)

Median age

total: 22.5 years male: 22 years female: 23 years (2009 est.)

Nationality

noun: Filipino(s) adjective: Philippine

Net migration rate

-1.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Population

97,976,603 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Population growth rate

1.957% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Religions

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)

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

Sex ratio

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 (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate

3.27 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Urbanization

urban population: 65% of total population (2008) rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Disputes - international

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

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

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

Airports

254 (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Airports - with paved runways

total: 85 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 28 914 to 1,523 m: 35 under 914 m: 10 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways

total: 169 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 66 under 914 m: 99 (2009)

Heliports

2 (2009)

Merchant marine

total: 391 country comparison to the world: 27 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

oil 107 km; refined products 112 km (2008)

Ports and terminals

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

Railways

total: 897 km country comparison to the world: 95 narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (492 km are in operation) (2008)

Roadways

total: 201,910 km country comparison to the world: 25 paved: 21,677 km unpaved: 180,233 km (2008)

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) (2008) country comparison to the world: 31