Philippines

Population: 82,841,518 (July 2001 est.)

Languages: two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English, eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocan, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense

Background: The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. They attained their independence in 1946 after being occupied by the Japanese in World War II. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986 when a...

Currency: Philippine peso (PHP, No information)

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.