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Location:
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Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the
Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of
Vietnam |
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Background:
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The
Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898
following the Spanish-American War. They attained
independence in 1946 after Japanese occupation in
World War II. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS
ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion
forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed its
last military bases on the islands. The Philippines
has had two electoral presidential transitions since
the removal of MARCOS. In January 2001, the Supreme
Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view
of mass resignations from his government and
administered the oath of office to Vice President
Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his constitutional
successor. The government continues to struggle with
Muslim insurgencies in the south. |
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Languages:
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two
official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and
English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano,
Ilocan, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray,
Pampango, and Pangasinense |
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Exchange rates:
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Philippine pesos per US dollar - 51.67 (2002), 50.99
(2001), 44.19 (2000), 39.09 (1999), 40.89 (1998)
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