International organization participation:
APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS
(observer), OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISET, UNU,
UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Albert DEL ROSARIO consulate(s): San Diego consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Jose (Northern Mariana Islands), Tamuning (Guam) FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614 telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300 chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Francis J. RICCIARDONE
embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila
mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000
telephone: [63] (2) 523-1001
FAX: [63] (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
Economy Philippines
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 0.6% in 1998 from 5% in 1997, but
recovered to about 3.3% in 1999, 4.5% in 2000, and 4.5% in 2001. In
2002, the Philippines recorded GDP growth of 4.4% but also incurred
a record budget deficit. As a result, the Philippines is burdened
with a public sector debt equal to more than 100% of GDP. Growth
eased to 3.8% in 2003. The government has promised economic reforms
including going forward with privatization, reforming the tax
system, and promoting additional trade integration within its
region. Considerable drive is required to update the educational
system and the road network.
GDP:
purchasing power parity - $379.7 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
4.4% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $4,600 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 31% services: 54% (2001 est.)