Illicit drugs:
until 1996 the world's largest coca leaf producer; emerging opium
producer; cultivation of coca in Peru increased by 8% to 36,600
hectares between 2001 and the end of 2002; much of the cocaine base
is shipped to neighboring Colombia for processing into cocaine,
while finished cocaine is shipped out from Pacific ports to the
international drug market; increasing amounts of base and 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 18 December, 2003
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@Philippines
Introduction Philippines
Background:
The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the
Spanish-American War. They attained independence in 1946 after
Japanese occupation 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 its last military bases on the
islands. The Philippines has had two electoral presidential
transitions since the removal of MARCOS. 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 Muslim
insurgencies in the south.
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