Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, consisting of more than 7,600 islands situated between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. Its geography, culture, and history have endowed it with a distinctive national identity shaped by centuries of foreign influence, colonial struggle, and democratic resilience. The country’s location at the crossroads of major maritime routes has made it a focal point of regional trade and geopolitics, while its dynamic economy and youthful population continue to reinforce its role as a rising power in the Indo-Pacific region.

Historical Background

The Philippines’ recorded history began in the 16th century with the arrival of Spanish explorers led by Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565. The archipelago was named in honour of King Philip II of Spain, marking the beginning of more than three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Under Spain, Christianity was introduced and spread widely, with enduring influence on Filipino culture, language, and governance.
In 1898, the Spanish–American War led to Spain’s defeat, and the Philippines was ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Paris. However, Filipino revolutionaries, under Emilio Aguinaldo, had already declared independence on 12 June 1898, resisting foreign domination. This led to the Philippine–American War (1899–1902), which ended in U.S. victory but left a legacy of resistance and nationalism.
Under American rule, the Philippines gradually moved towards self-governance. The Commonwealth of the Philippines was established in 1935, with Manuel L. Quezon as its first president. Progress was interrupted by the Japanese occupation (1942–1945) during World War II, followed by liberation by Allied and Filipino forces. Full independence was attained on 4 July 1946, later officially commemorated on 12 June, the anniversary of Aguinaldo’s original declaration.
The post-independence period was characterised by alternating phases of democratic development and authoritarian rule. The presidency of Ferdinand Marcos (1965–1986) saw rapid infrastructure growth but also martial law, corruption, and human rights violations. His ousting in the People Power Revolution (EDSA I, 1986) restored democracy under Corazon Aquino. Subsequent leaders—including Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte—oversaw mixed outcomes in governance and economic management. In 2022, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator, was elected president, marking a significant political realignment.

Geography and Environment

The Philippines covers about 300,000 square kilometres, divided among three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Its 36,289 km coastline ranks among the world’s longest. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with Mount Apo (2,954 m) on Mindanao as the highest peak, interspersed with fertile valleys and coastal plains conducive to agriculture.
The climate is tropical marine, characterised by high humidity and monsoon influences: the northeast monsoon (amihan) from November to April and the southwest monsoon (habagat) from May to October. The country’s position along the Pacific Ring of Fire subjects it to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and typhoons, with an annual average of nine typhoons making landfall.
Major environmental issues include deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and coral reef destruction. Nevertheless, the Philippines is a global biodiversity hotspot, hosting numerous endemic species and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. The nation’s natural resources include nickel, copper, gold, timber, and petroleum, which contribute significantly to its economy.

People and Society

As of 2024, the Philippines has a population of approximately 118.3 million, making it the 13th most populous nation in the world. The population is young, with a median age of 25.7 years and an annual growth rate of 1.56%. Life expectancy averages 70.8 years, reflecting steady improvements in healthcare.
The country is ethnically and linguistically diverse, with Tagalog (26%), Bisaya/Binisaya, Ilocano, Cebuano, and other ethnolinguistic groups forming the majority. Over 170 languages are spoken, with Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English designated as official languages.
Religion remains central to Filipino identity. Around 79% of citizens identify as Roman Catholic, making the Philippines one of only two predominantly Christian nations in Asia. Islam, concentrated mainly in Mindanao, constitutes around 6% of the population, alongside smaller Protestant and indigenous faiths.
Education is a national priority, with a literacy rate of 98% and school life expectancy of 12 years. Government spending on education stands at 3.6% of GDP, and universities such as the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University are regionally respected.

Government and Politics

The Philippines functions as a presidential republic under the 1987 Constitution, with a tripartite system of executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

• Head of State and Government: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (since June 2022)
• Vice President: Sara Duterte-Carpio
• Legislature: Bicameral Congress, consisting of the Senate (24 members) and the House of Representatives (317 members)
• Judiciary: The Supreme Court, headed by a Chief Justice, oversees judicial review and constitutional matters.

Political pluralism characterises the Philippine system, with active parties including PDP–Laban, the Liberal Party, the Nacionalista Party, and the Nationalist People’s Coalition. The capital, Manila, forms part of the National Capital Region, alongside Quezon City, which houses many government institutions. The national flag, bearing blue, red, and white with a golden sun and three stars, symbolises liberty, courage, and unity among the archipelago’s three main island groups.

Economy

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, classified as upper middle-income by 2024 estimates. Its GDP (PPP) stands at around $1.2 trillion, ranking 31st globally. The economy is driven primarily by services (63%), followed by industry (28%) and agriculture (9%).
The services sector is anchored by business process outsourcing (BPO), finance, real estate, and tourism, while industry is powered by electronics, semiconductors, and construction. The Philippines is a leading global producer of electronic components, with major trade partners including China, the United States, and Japan.
Agriculture continues to employ a significant share of the population, with major crops such as rice, coconuts, bananas, pineapples, and sugarcane. Overseas remittances, amounting to about 8.7% of GDP, are a vital source of foreign exchange and consumer spending.
Economic indicators show inflation at 3.2%, unemployment at 2.2%, and poverty affecting 15.5% of the population. While the Gini index (39.3) reflects moderate inequality, the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong. The government continues to prioritise infrastructure through programmes such as Build Better More, promoting connectivity and job creation.

Defence and Security

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) consist of the Army, Navy (including the Marine Corps), and Air Force, totalling approximately 145,000 active personnel. The Philippine Coast Guard operates separately under the Department of Transportation but coordinates with the AFP for maritime defence and disaster response.
Security challenges include insurgencies by the New People’s Army (NPA) and Islamist militant groups such as Abu Sayyaf and ISIS–East Asia. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace accord has stabilised large areas of Mindanao, where the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region now exercises devolved governance.
The Philippines maintains a Mutual Defense Treaty (1951) with the United States, allowing rotational U.S. forces at selected bases. Recent agreements have deepened cooperation on maritime security, defence modernisation, and disaster relief, particularly amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Space and Technological Development

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), established in 2019, spearheads national initiatives in space science, remote sensing, and satellite technology. Its programmes enhance disaster resilience, climate monitoring, and agricultural mapping. Partnerships with Japan, India, the United States, and the European Space Agency support technology transfer and regional collaboration in the Asia-Pacific space sector.

Contemporary Issues and Global Role

The Philippines faces pressing challenges from rapid urbanisation, income disparity, environmental vulnerability, and natural disasters. Balancing economic growth with sustainability and social equity remains a core policy goal.