The Republic of the Philippines stands at
the crossroads of the developed western world and the
Orient and lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. Composed
of 7,107 islands, the Philippines is readily accessible
to the different capitals of the world. Its three main
islands are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The
visitor to Metro Manila commonly sees the Philippines as
the most westernized of Asian countries and in many ways
it is, having been a colony of the Spaniards for 333
years until June 12, 1898 and the Americans for 48 years
until July 4,1946. But there is also a rich underlay of
Malay culture beneath the patina of Spanish and American
heritage. National cultural life, therefore, is a happy
marriage of many influences, preserving the ancient
heritage without restricting its openness to foreign
artistic and economic influences.
The
Philippines is the third largest English speaking
country in the world. Its unique location has made this
country the commercial, cultural and intellectual hub of
Asia from the dawn of history.
Major
agriculture products are: rice, coconut
products, sugar, corn, pork, bananas, pineapple
products, aquaculture, mangoes, and eggs.
Major industry types are:
textile and garments, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood
products, food processing, electronics assembly,
petroleum refining, fishing.
Top 5
exports include: Electronic Components, Apparel
and Clothing Accessories, Ignition Wiring Set,
Woodcrafts and Furniture, Metal Components
Top Exports partners include:
US, Japan, Netherlands, Taiwan, Singapore (2002). |
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