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Philippines
1979, 2005
Anak (mp3)
Roger I. Lim, MD CT Surgeon, Asian Hospital and Medical
Center, Manila, Philippines
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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 widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed
down its last military bases on the islands. The Philippines has had two electoral
presidential transitions since Marcos' removal by "people power." In January
2001, the Supreme Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view of mass
resignations from his government and administered the oath of office to Vice President
Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his constitutional successor. The government continues to
struggle with ongoing Muslim insurgencies in the south.
| Location: |
Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the
Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam
13 00 N, 122 00 E |
| Population: |
82,841,518 (July 2001 est.) |
| Area: |
total: 300,000 sq km
land: 298,170 sq km
water: 1,830 sq km
slightly larger than Arizona |
| Climate: |
tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November
to April); southwest monsoon (May to October) |
| Terrain: |
mostly mountains with narrow to extensive
coastal lowlands |
| Elevation: |
lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m |
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