Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas C. HUBBARD embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita Manila 1000 mailing address: FPO 96515 telephone: (2) 523-1001 FAX: (2) 522-4361
Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle is a small yellow five-pointed star
@Philippines:Economy
Economy - overview: In 1998 the Philippine economy - a mixture of agriculture, light industry, and supporting services - deteriorated as a result of spillover from the Asian financial crisis and poor weather conditions. Growth fell to about -0.5% in 1998 from 5% in 1997, but recovered to 2.9% in 1999. The government has promised to continue its economic reforms to help the Philippines match the pace of development in the newly industrialized countries of East Asia. The strategy includes improving infrastructure, overhauling the tax system to bolster government revenues, and moving toward further deregulation and privatization of the economy.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $282 billion (1999 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 2.9% (1999 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $3,600 (1999 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 20% industry: 32% services: 48% (1997 est.)
Population below poverty line: 32% (1997 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.4% highest 10%: 33.5% (1994)