Country Profile: Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 7,600 islands situated between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. As of 2024, the nation has a population of approximately 118.3 million people, with a diverse mixture of ethnic groups and languages. The economy is growing steadily, driven by sectors such as service, manufacturing, and remittances from overseas workers. Governed as a presidential republic, the Philippines has seen significant political shifts over the decades, with recent developments reflecting a complex interplay of historical and contemporary governance issues.

Geography

The Philippines is situated east of Vietnam and consists of approximately 300,000 square kilometers of land, characterized by mountainous terrain and extensive coastlines totaling 36,289 kilometers. The climate is tropical marine, influenced by monsoon seasons, and the country is frequently affected by typhoons and other natural hazards. The nation's rich natural resources include timber, minerals, and agricultural land.

7,641 islands reported in 2016, up from 7,107.
Mount Apo is the highest peak at 2,954 meters.
42.5% of land is agricultural as of 2022.
The mean elevation of the country is 442 meters.
Major lakes include Laguna de Bay (890 sq km).

People and Society

The population of the Philippines is estimated at 118.3 million in 2024, with an even gender distribution. Filipinos consist of various ethnic groups, with Tagalog and Bisaya/Binisaya being the most prominent. A significant portion of the population is Roman Catholic, constituting around 78.8%, while Muslims account for 6.4%. The median age is 25.7 years, and the country experiences a birth rate of 22.1 births per 1,000 individuals.

98% literacy rate among the total population (2020).
The urban population constitutes 48.3% of the total (2023).
Life expectancy at birth is approximately 70.8 years (2024).
24.3% of the land is forested as of 2022.
The population growth rate is 1.56% (2024 est.).

Economy

The Philippine economy is a rapidly developing market characterized by a diverse range of sectors, including services, manufacturing, and agriculture, with a projected GDP of $1.202 trillion for 2024. Economic growth is driven by consumer spending and significant remittances from Filipino workers abroad. As of 2024, the unemployment rate stands at a low 2.2%, reflecting a resilient labor market.

63.2% of GDP comes from the service sector (2024).
9.1% of GDP is derived from agriculture (2024).
Exports are projected at $106.99 billion (2024).
Imports are anticipated to reach $161.154 billion (2024).
The inflation rate is estimated to be 3.2% (2024).

Government

The Philippines is a presidential republic, with the President being both the head of state and government. The country has a bicameral Congress consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Ferdinand "BongBong" Marcos Jr. has been in office since June 30, 2022. The Constitution was last ratified on February 2, 1987.

The capital city is Manila.
There are 81 provinces and 38 chartered cities.
Suffrage is granted to citizens 18 years and older.
The next scheduled election is set for May 9, 2028.
The President is elected for a 6-year term with no possibility of re-election.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force, is responsible for national defense and internal security. The Philippines also faces challenges from various militant groups, including the Abu Sayyaf and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army. Military expenditures are expected to comprise 1.7% of GDP in 2024.

Approximately 145,000 active military personnel are in service (2025).
The country engages in military exercises with the US, enhancing defense capabilities.
The AFP focuses on combating internal threats and maritime security.
Military service is voluntary for those aged 18-27.
Equipment is sourced from several countries, including the US and South Korea.

Energy

Energy access in the Philippines has improved, with about 94.8% of the population having electricity as of 2022. The energy generation primarily relies on fossil fuels, accounting for 77.9% of total installed capacity. The country is working towards diversifying its energy sources, including renewables.

Total electricity consumption is estimated to be 100.824 billion kWh (2023).
The installed generating capacity is around 29.174 million kW (2023).
91.1% of rural areas have access to electricity (2022).
10,000 bbl/day of petroleum produced (2023).
Natural gas and coal are significant components of the energy mix.

Transportation

The Philippines has a substantial transportation network, with 256 airports and 70 ports facilitating both domestic and international travel. The railway system is limited, primarily consisting of around 77 km of track. The merchant marine fleet is extensive, comprising 2,203 vessels.

416 heliports are available (2025).
There are 135 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
Internet penetration stands at 84% of the population (2023).
The country's major ports include Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	118,277,063	2024 estimate
Area	300,000 sq km	Total area
GDP	$1.202 trillion	2024 estimate (PPP)
Energy Consumption	17.654 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	22.1 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	2.2%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	70.8 years	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	98%	2020 estimate
Military Expenditures	1.7% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urban Population	48.3% of total	2023 estimate