finished cocaine, however, are being moved to
Brazil and Bolivia for use in the Southern Cone or transshipped to
Europe and Africa

This page was last updated on 8 February, 2007

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@Philippines

Introduction Philippines

Background:
The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th
century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the
Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a
self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected President and
was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a
10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese
occupation during WWII, and US forces and Filipinos fought together
during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Philippines
attained their independence. The 20-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS
ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into
exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was
hampered by several coup attempts, which prevented a return to full
political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was
elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by
greater stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US
closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was
elected president in 1998, but was succeeded by his vice-president,
Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy
impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and widespread
demonstrations led to his ouster. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a
six-year term in May 2004. The Philippine Government faces threats
from an armed Communist insurgency and from Muslim separatists in
the south, as well as from impeachment attempts by political elites
and civil groups unhappy with the current administration.

Geography Philippines

Location:
Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the
South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:
13 00 N, 122 00 E

Map references:
Southeast Asia

Area:
total: 300,000 sq km
land: 298,170 sq km
water: 1,830 sq km

Area - comparative:
slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:
0 km

Coastline:
36,289 km

Maritime claims:
territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from
coastline as defined by 1898 t