The Philippines
The Philippine is well positioned at the gateway to Asia . Historically, it has always been a center for regional and global trade and barter was briskly conducted with Asian neighbors even in pre-Hispanic times.
The Philippines islands lie in the midst of China , Japan , Malaysia , Brunei , Indonesia , Thailand , Cambodia , Laos , and Vietnam , New Guinea and Australia . Sea lanes ring the islands.
Highly accessible by air and sea, Metropolitan Manila is only some four hours by plane from other Asian capitals.
Land Area :
300,000 sq. km.; of which 1,830 sq. km. is water,
298,170 sq. km land.
Coastline :
36,289 kilometers
Geography :
Archipelago of 7,107 islands and islets off the southern
coast of mainland Asia; Three Main Islands - Luzon, the biggest
island group, Visayas and Mindanao .
Location :
Located east of Vietnam , south of Taiwan , Surrounded
by Pacific Ocean to the east, Celebes Sea on the south,
and the South China Sea to the west and north.
Capital City :
Manila (Land Area 38.3 sq. km.)
Government :
Democratic Presidential
Political System :
Presidential system of government with 3 equal
branches: the executive, legislative and Judiciary.
Literacy Rate :
94.6% of total population, the highest rate in Southeast
Asia, and vs. Hongkong and Taiwan .
Languages Spoken :
Filipino, English; and other regional dialects
Religions :
Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%
Climate :
Tropical with temperature ranging 23-32° C
temperature of 27°C (82°F).
Two distinct seasons: (dry - November to May);
(wet - June to October).
Population :
87.7 Million in 2006
Ethnic Profile :
Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, others
3%
Currency Unit :
Philippine peso (US $ 1.00 = Php 41.00 approx in January 2008)
Business Hours :
0800 – 1700 (Private/ Government and offices)
0900 – 1500 (Banks)
1000 – 2000 (Store Malls)
Universities and Colleges : 1,789
Graduates Annually : Secondary school, over one million; college level,
405,000.
Employment Rate : 91.8 % (as of April 2006)
Principal Exports : Electronics, Semiconductor, IT-enabled services,
Telecommunication Parts/ Equipment, Garments and clothing
accessories, Automotive Components, Food processing, financial
services; retail trade, Furniture, Gifts, Toys & Jewelry.
Principal Markets : Japan , USA , Singapore , Hongkong & European Countries
Time Zone : GMT + 8 hours
Investments Promotions and Trade Agencies : Board Of Investments & PEZA
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