CapitalManila
LanguagesTagalog, Bisaya/Binisaya, Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, Ilocano, Cebuano, Bikol/Bicol, Waray, Kapampangan, Maguindanao, Pangasinan/Panggalato, other languages/dialects, unspecified
CurrencyPhilippine pesos
Governmenta presidential republic
Bamwor Indexes
Philippines — Q1 2026
IBEUBamwor Urban Scale Index
2.61%
Rank #233 of 237
View full ranking →
IBCPBamwor Population Concentration Index
8.08%
Rank #225 of 237
View full ranking →
IBDABamwor Settlement Density Index
147.91per 1K km²
Rank #100 of 241
View full ranking →
IBCXBamwor Country Complexity Index
72.80/100
Rank #31 of 234
View full ranking →
IBEEBamwor Economic Stability Index
87.01/100
Rank #111 of 220
View full ranking →
IBFMBamwor Military Strength Index
66.46/100
Rank #19 of 124
View full ranking →
IBDIBamwor Digital Infrastructure Index
67.89/100
Rank #133 of 206
View full ranking →
IBEDBamwor Education Index
68.48/100
Rank #60 of 119
View full ranking →
IBSABamwor Healthcare Index
64.97/100
Rank #144 of 218
View full ranking →
Philippines Intelligence Report
Download PDF with 20+ statistics, rankings & proprietary indices
Introduction
Background
During the 16th century, the Philippine Islands were established as a colony of Spain and were transferred to the United States in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. Under the leadership of Emilio AGUINALDO, a rebellion against American governance unfolded from 1899 to 1902, although sporadic conflicts persisted in peripheral islands until 1913. In 1935, the Philippines transitioned to a self-governing commonwealth, with Manuel QUEZON elected as president, responsible for steering the nation toward independence after a decade-long period of preparation. The islands were occupied by Japan during World War II, and from 1944 to 1945, American forces alongside Filipino troops collaborated to reclaim control. The Republic of the Philippines achieved its independence on 4 July 1946.
The authoritarian regime of Ferdinand MARCOS lasted for twenty-one years, concluding in 1986 when a movement known as "people power" in Manila ("EDSA 1") compelled his exile and led to the election of Corazon AQUINO as president. Her administration faced several coup attempts, and advancements in political stability and economic progress stalled until Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. The United States withdrew its final military bases from the islands that same year. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998, but his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, took over in 2001 after ESTRADA's tumultuous impeachment trial on corruption charges collapsed and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") called for his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO secured the presidency in 2004. Although her tenure was tainted by corruption allegations, the Philippine economy remained one of the few to avoid recession following the global financial crisis of 2008. Benigno AQUINO III was elected president in 2010, followed by Rodrigo DUTERTE in 2016. Throughout his presidency, DUTERTE implemented a contentious drug war that faced international condemnation for purported human rights violations. Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr. won the presidency in 2022, receiving the largest popular vote in a presidential election since the ousting of his father.
For many years, the nation has grappled with challenges posed by armed ethnic separatists, communist insurgents, and Islamic extremist groups, especially in the southern islands and isolated regions of Luzon.
Geography
Area
land
298,170 sq km
water
1,830 sq km
total
300,000 sq km
Climate
tropical marine climate; northeast monsoon season from November to April; southwest monsoon season from May to October
Terrain
predominantly mountainous terrain with narrow to broad coastal plains
Land use
other
32.7% (2023 est.)
forest
24.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
42.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 18.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 18.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 5% (2023 est.)
Location
Located in Southeast Asia, the archipelago is situated between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, to the east of Vietnam
Coastline
36,289 km
Elevation
lowest point
Philippine Sea 0 m
highest point
Mount Apo 2,954 m
mean elevation
442 m
Irrigated land
16,270 sq km (2012)
Map references
Southeast Asia
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
an irregular polygon extending as far as 100 nautical miles from the coastline as established by a treaty in 1898; since the late 1970s, it has also asserted claims over a polygonal area in the South China Sea extending up to 285 nautical miles
continental shelf
to the depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
positioned within the typhoon belt, the region typically experiences several cyclonic storms annually; also prone to landslides, active volcanism, severe earthquakes, and tsunamis
volcanism: notable volcanic activity; Taal (311 m) has been classified as a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, recognized for its explosive history and proximity to populated areas; Mayon (2,462 m), the most active volcano in the nation, erupted in 2009, leading to the evacuation of over 33,000 individuals; other historically active volcanoes include Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo, and Ragang; refer to note 2 under "Geography - note"
Geography - note
note 1: for many years, the Philippine archipelago was documented as comprising 7,107 islands; in 2016, the national mapping authority reported the discovery of hundreds of new islands, raising the total to 7,641, although not all new islands have been confirmed
note 2: the Philippines is situated along the Ring of Fire, a region encircling the Pacific Ocean that contains approximately 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of global earthquakes
note 3: the Philippines lies within the Pacific typhoon belt, experiencing an average of 9 typhoons making landfall each year, with around 5 causing significant damage; it is the nation most vulnerable to tropical storms globally
Natural resources
timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper
Area - comparative
slightly under twice the area of Georgia; marginally larger than Arizona
Geographic coordinates
13 00 N, 122 00 E
Population distribution
the population is largely concentrated in regions with fertile farmland; the highest densities are found in northwest and south-central Luzon, the southeastern part of Luzon, and the islands in the Visayan Sea, especially Cebu and Negros; Manila houses one eighth of the total national population
Major lakes (area sq km)
salt water lake(s)
Laguna de Bay - 890 sq km
People & Society
Literacy
male
98.4% (2020 est.)
female
97% (2022 est.)
total population
98.5% (2020 est.)
Languages
Languages
Tagalog 39.9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 16%, Hiligaynon/Ilonggo 7.3%, Ilocano 7.1%, Cebuano 6.5%, Bikol/Bicol 3.9%, Waray 2.6%, Kapampangan 2.4%, Maguindanao 1.4%, Pangasinan/Panggalato 1.3%, other languages/dialects 11.2%, unspecified 0.4% (2020 est.)
major-language sample(s)
Ang World Factbook, ang mapagkukunan ng kailangang impormasyon. (Tagalog)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 78.8%, Muslim 6.4%, Iglesia ni Cristo 2.6%, other Christian 3.9%, other 8.2%, none/unspecified <0.1 (2020 est.)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years
1.02 male(s)/female
total population
1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.66 male(s)/female
Birth rate
16.02 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.8 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
25.1 years
total
27.1 years (2025 est.)
female
26.3 years
Population
male
59,227,092
total
118,277,063 (2024 est.)
female
59,049,971
Nationality
noun
Filipino(s)
adjective
Philippine
Tobacco use
male
34.4% (2025 est.)
total
19.2% (2025 est.)
female
3.7% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
48.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
2.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
30.2% (male 18,234,279/female 17,462,803)
15-64 years
64.3% (male 38,381,583/female 37,613,294)
65 years and over
5.6% (2024 est.) (male 2,611,230/female 3,973,874)
Ethnic groups
Tagalog 26%, Bisaya/Binisaya 14.3%, Ilocano 8%, Cebuano 8%, Illonggo 7.9%, Bikol/Bicol 6.5%, Waray 3.8%, Kapampangan 3%, Maguindanao 1.9%, Pangasinan 1.9%, other local ethnicities 18.5%, foreign ethnicities 0.2% (2020 est.)
People - note
It is one of only two predominantly Christian countries in Southeast Asia, the other being Timor-Leste.
Child marriage
women married by age 15
1.5% (2022)
women married by age 18
9.4% (2022)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
55.6 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
47 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
11.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
8.7 (2024 est.)
Physician density
0.79 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
5.1% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
-2.82 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.94 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 92.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 94.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 97.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 7.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 5.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 2.2% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
3.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
15.2% national budget (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
24.4 deaths/1,000 live births
total
18.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
19.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
0.74% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.94 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
The population is primarily located in regions with fertile agricultural land; the highest densities are found in northwestern and south-central Luzon, the southeastern extension of Luzon, and the islands of the Visayan Sea, especially Cebu and Negros; Manila accommodates one-eighth of the total national population.
Life expectancy at birth
male
67.3 years
female
74.5 years
total population
70.8 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
84 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 92.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 94.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 96.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 7.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 5.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 3.5% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
1.47 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
4.85 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
3.34 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
14.667 million MANILA (capital), 1.949 million Davao, 1.025 million Cebu City, 931,000 Zamboanga, 960,000 Antipolo, 803,000 Cagayan de Oro City, 803,000 Dasmarinas (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
6.4% (2016)
Mother's mean age at first birth
23.6 years (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
55.6% (2022 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
16.7% (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
12 years (2021 est.)
total
12 years (2021 est.)
female
13 years (2021 est.)
Environment
Climate
tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
Geoparks
global geoparks and regional networks
Bohol Island (2023)
total global geoparks and regional networks
1
Land use
other
32.7% (2023 est.)
forest
24.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
42.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 18.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 18.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
48.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
2.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Methane emissions
other
39.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste
452.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
energy
230.7 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture
1,662.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
14.632 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
49.9% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
deforestation, particularly within watershed regions; unauthorized mining and logging activities; soil erosion; pollution of air and water in principal urban areas; degradation of coral reefs; heightened pollution of coastal mangrove ecosystems; coastal erosion; use of dynamite in fishing; extinction of wildlife
Total water withdrawal
municipal
9.498 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial
13.602 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural
67.937 billion cubic meters (2022)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
156.228 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas
6.05 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
88.581 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
61.597 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
25.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
479 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Government
Flag
description: consists of two equal horizontal bands, blue at the top and red at the bottom; a white equilateral triangle is positioned on the left side; within the triangle lies a yellow sun featuring eight rays, each divided into smaller rays; the corners of the triangle are adorned with small five-pointed yellow stars
meaning: blue symbolizes peace and justice, red signifies courage, and the triangle represents equality; the rays signify the initial eight provinces that declared independence from Spain, while the stars denote the three main regions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
history: the flag's design originates from 1897
Capital
name
Manila
etymology
the term is derived from the Tagalog words may, meaning "there is," and nila, which refers to a local shrub in the indigo family
time difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
14 36 N, 120 58 E
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no
citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of the Philippines
dual citizenship recognized
no
residency requirement for naturalization
10 years
Constitution
history
multiple previous versions; the most recent was ratified on 2 February 1987, taking effect on 11 February 1987
amendment process
proposed by Congress if endorsed by three-quarters of its members, via a constitutional convention convened by Congress, or through public petition; any of these proposal methods requires a majority vote in a national referendum for passage
Country name
etymology
named to honor King PHILIP II of Spain by Spanish explorer Ruy LOPEZ de VILLALOBOS, who arrived in the islands in 1543
local long form
Republika ng Pilipinas
local short form
Pilipinas
conventional long form
Republic of the Philippines
conventional short form
Philippines
Independence
4 July 1946 (from the US)
Legal system
a mixed legal system encompassing civil, common, Islamic (sharia), and customary law
Government type
a presidential republic
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of a chief justice and 14 associate justices)
subordinate courts
Court of Appeals; Sandiganbayan (a special court for corruption involving government officials); Court of Tax Appeals; regional, metropolitan, and municipal trial courts; sharia courts
judge selection and term of office
justices are appointed by the president based on recommendations from the Judicial and Bar Council, a constitutionally established body consisting of 6 members that suggests nominees for the Supreme Court; justices serve until they reach the age of 70
Executive branch
cabinet
the Cabinet is appointed by the president with the approval of the Commission of Appointments, an independent entity made up of 25 Congressional members, including the Senate president (who serves as ex officio chairman), appointed by the president
chief of state
President Ferdinand "BongBong" MARCOS, Jr. has been in office since 30 June 2022
election results
2022: Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr. won the presidency with a vote share of 58.7% for Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr. (PFP), 27.9% for Leni ROBREDO (independent), 6.8% for Manny PACQUIAO (PROMDI), and 6.6% for other candidates; Sara DUTERTE-Carpio was elected vice president with a vote share of 61.5%, compared to Francis PANGILINAN (LP) at 17.8%, Tito SOTTO at 15.8%, and others at 4.9%
2016: Rodrigo DUTERTE was elected president with 39% of the vote, followed by Manuel "Mar" ROXAS (LP) at 23.5%, Grace POE (independent) at 21.4%, Jejomar BINAY (UNA) at 12.7%, and Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO (PRP) at 3.4%; Leni ROBREDO was elected vice president with 35.1% of the vote, closely followed by Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr. (independent) at 34.5%, Alan CAYETANO at 14.4%, and Francis ESCUDERO (independent) at 12%, with other candidates receiving 4%
head of government
President Ferdinand "BongBong" MARCOS, Jr. has been in office since 30 June 2022
most recent election date
9 May 2022
election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by simple-majority popular vote for a single 6-year term
expected date of next election
9 May 2028
National holiday
Independence Day, 12 June (1898)
National color(s)
red, white, blue, yellow
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
6 (3 cultural, 3 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Baroque Churches of the Philippines (c); Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (n); Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (c); Historic Vigan (c); Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (n); Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (n)
Political parties
Democratic Action (Aksyon Demokratiko)
Alliance for Change (Hugpong ng Pagbabago or HNP)
Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP)
Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD
Liberal Party or LP
Nacionalista Party or NP
Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC
National Unity Party or NUP
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP-Laban
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas or PFP
Legislative branch
legislature name
Congress (Kongreso)
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land)
history
the music was adopted in 1898, while the lyrics were adopted in 1956; it is performed solely in Tagalog
lyrics/music
collectively/Julian FELIPE
National symbol(s)
three stars and sun, Philippine eagle
National coat of arms
the coat of arms was established on 3 July 1946; the three gold stars symbolize the principal island groups of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao; the sun's rays represent the provinces of the Philippines; the American eagle and the lion of Spain reflect the nation's colonial heritage
Administrative divisions
consists of 81 provinces and 38 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, Cotabato, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, 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, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, 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: Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caloocan, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Lucena, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, San Juan, Santiago, Tacloban, Taguig, Valenzuela, Zamboanga
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan)
term in office
3 years
number of seats
317 (all directly elected)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
5/12/2025
expected date of next election
May 2028
percentage of women in chamber
28.3%
parties elected and seats per party
Lakas-CMD party (103), National Unity Party (NUP) (32), Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) (31), Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) (27), Nacionalista Party (NP) (22), Liberal Party (LP) (6), others (28), independents (11)
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate (Senado)
term in office
6 years
number of seats
24 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
partial renewal
most recent election date
5/12/2025
expected date of next election
May 2028
percentage of women in chamber
20.8%
parties elected and seats per party
Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) (2); Nacionalista Party (NP) (3); Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) (2); Lakas- CMD party (1); Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP) (1); Liberal Party (1); Independents (2)
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 328-7614
chancery
1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone
[1] (202) 467-9300
chief of mission
Ambassador Jose Manuel del Gallego ROMUALDEZ (since 29 November 2017)
consulate(s) general
Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)
email address and website
[email protected]
The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Washington D.C. (philippineembassy-dc.org)
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[63] (2) 5301-2017
embassy
1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila 1000
telephone
[63] (2) 5301-2000
mailing address
8600 Manila Place, Washington DC 20521-8600
chief of mission
Ambassador MaryKay Loss CARLSON (since 22 July 2022)
email address and website
[email protected]
https://ph.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer), CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
International law organization participation
acknowledges obligatory jurisdiction of the ICJ with conditions; retracted from the ICCt in March 2019
Economy
Budget
revenues
$65.069 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures
$93.871 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2022
$98.832 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$103.588 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2024
$106.99 billion (2024 est.)
Imports
Imports 2022
$152.638 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$151.441 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2024
$161.154 billion (2024 est.)
Industries
semiconductors and electronics assembly, business process outsourcing, food and beverage manufacturing, construction, electric/gas/water supply, chemical products, radio/television/communications equipment and apparatus, petroleum and fuel, textiles and garments, non-metallic minerals, basic metal industries, transport equipment
Labor force
50.979 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017
39.9% of GDP (2017 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2022
9.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
8.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2024
8.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
49.624 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
49.255 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
54.478 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
55.63 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
57.291 (2024 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$63.241 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
expanding economy in Southeast Asia; a commercial recovery driven by transportation, construction, and financial services; electronics exports bouncing back from a sector slowdown; substantial remittances; rising interest rates resulting from increased inflation; uncertainties stemming from escalating regional tensions with China
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
2.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
2.3% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
2.2% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
China 19%, USA 13%, Hong Kong 12%, Japan 11%, Germany 5% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 25%, Indonesia 8%, Japan 8%, S. Korea 6%, USA 6% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$9,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$9,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$10,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
7.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
5.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
5.7% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, rice, coconuts, maize, bananas, vegetables, tropical fruits, plantains, pineapples, cassava (2023)
Exports - commodities
integrated circuits, machine parts, gold, insulated wire, semiconductors (2023)
Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, refined petroleum, cars, crude petroleum, coal (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022
-$18.261 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
-$12.387 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2024
-$17.514 billion (2024 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
14.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$461.618 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
76.1% (2024 est.)
government consumption
14.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0.1% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
23.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
25.8% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-40.1% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
15.5% (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
37.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
1.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
5.8% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
3.2% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
5.6% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$1.078 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$1.137 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$1.202 trillion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
5.6% (2024 est.)
total
6.6% (2024 est.)
female
8.3% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$96.04 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$103.742 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$106.195 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
27.7% (2024 est.)
services
63.2% (2024 est.)
agriculture
9.1% (2024 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%
2.9% (2023 est.)
highest 10%
31.6% (2023 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023
39.3 (2023 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
8.151 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports
36.542 million metric tons (2023 est.)
production
14.457 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
42.859 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves
361 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
10,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves
138.5 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
457,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
consumption
100.824 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
29.174 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
10.693 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas
imports
794.289 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
production
2.325 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption
3.12 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves
98.543 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
91.1%
electrification - urban areas
98%
electrification - total population
94.8% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
17.654 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
1.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal
9.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
77.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
1.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
84% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
numerous national private television and radio networks; various multi-channel satellite and cable television systems accessible; in excess of 400 television stations; roughly 1,500 cable television providers serving over 2 million subscribers; more than 1,400 radio broadcasting stations; planned transition to digital broadcasting by the close of 2023 (2019)
Internet country code
.ph
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
4.627 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
4 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
135 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
144 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
7.51 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
7 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
2
small
8
medium
4
key ports
Batangas City, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Manila, San Fernando Harbor, Subic Bay
very small
56
total ports
70 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
22
Airports
256 (2025)
Railways
total
77 km (2017)
narrow gauge
28 km (2017) 1.067-m gauge
standard gauge
49 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge
Heliports
416 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
2,203 (2023)
by type
bulk carrier 52, container vessel 43, general cargo ship 955, oil tanker 207, various 946
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
RP
Military & Security
Military - note
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are tasked with defending the nation's territory and providing assistance for internal security; a significant part of the AFP's operational efforts is directed towards internal security in collaboration with the Philippine National Police, particularly in the southern regions where various separatist, terrorist, and criminal factions are active, often leading to a substantial deployment of AFP personnel. Additionally, combat operations are undertaken against the Communist People's Party/New People's Army, predominantly found on Luzon, as well as in the Visayas and certain regions of Mindanao. Before a peace agreement was reached in 2014, the AFP was engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a separatist group mainly located on Mindanao, which had an estimated 40,000 armed members.
Maritime security is also a key concern; the naval forces of the AFP carry out naval interdiction operations to support security initiatives on the southern islands, including conducting joint maritime patrols with Indonesia and Malaysia. The increasing tensions with China regarding contested waters and land features in the South China Sea since 2012 have prompted the AFP to enhance its blue-water naval capabilities, which includes the acquisition of larger warships such as guided missile frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, and landing platform dock (LPD) amphibious assault ships.
The Philippine military was officially formed during the period of American colonization as the Philippine Army; it was created under the National Defense Act of 1935 and consisted of both Filipino and American personnel. In 1951, a mutual defense treaty was established between the US and the Philippines. Based on agreements made in 2014 and 2023, the Philippine Government permits the rotational presence of US military forces, aircraft, and ships at up to nine bases within the Philippines. Furthermore, in 2023, the US committed to aiding in the modernization of Philippine defense capabilities, improving interoperability, enhancing bilateral planning and information-sharing, and addressing transnational and nonconventional threats (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
1.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (which includes the Marine Corps), Air Force.
Department of Transportation: Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); Department of the Interior: Philippine National Police Force (PNP) (2025).
Military service age and obligation
There are some variations in age requirements depending on the branch of service, but generally, individuals aged 18-27 may voluntarily enlist in the military, with no conscription in place (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The AFP is armed with a diverse array of weapon systems sourced from over a dozen nations, including Brazil, Israel, South Korea, and the United States (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
The active personnel of the Armed Forces is approximately 145,000, which includes 105,000 from the Army; 25,000 from the Navy, comprising around 8,000 Marine Corps; and 15,000 from the Air Force (2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Abu Sayyaf Group; Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army (CPP/NPA); Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham – East Asia (ISIS-EA) in the Philippines
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
1,158,643 (2024 est.)
refugees
2,342 (2024 est.)
stateless persons
30 (2024 est.)
Space
Space agency/agencies
Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA; founded in 2019) (2025)
Space program overview
maintains a compact space program aimed at acquiring satellites and associated technologies, primarily for purposes related to climate research, national defense, and disaster risk management; it also emphasizes the cultivation of space expertise and industry; designs and operates satellites (predominantly micro- and nano-sized), encompassing remote sensing as well as scientific and experimental missions; engages with various international space agencies and industries, including those from China, the ESA (and several of its member nations), India, Japan, Russia, and the US (2025)
Key space-program milestones
1994 - established a consortium of companies to procure and manage satellites
1996 - obtained the first communications satellite (Agila-1) from Indonesia after it had been placed in orbit
2014 - launched a scientific remote sensing (RS) microsatellite development initiative in partnership with Japan, leading to the deployment of the first RS microsatellite (Diwata-1) from the International Space Station (ISS) in 2016
2018 - deployed the first domestically designed and manufactured scientific/technology-demonstration cube satellite (Maya-1) from the ISS; the second RS microsatellite (Diwata-2) was developed with support from and launched by Japan
2023 - entered into an agreement with the ESA and EU to enhance collaboration on Earth observation/RS data sharing
2025 - signed the US-led Artemis Accords for space exploration
