PHILIPPINES - FACTS AND FIGURES

Area: 300,000 km2

Population: 68.6 million (1995 estimate)

Population Growth: 2.3% (1995 estimate)

Capital: Manila

Official Name: Republic of the Philippines

System of Government: Republic, based on separation of powers between the Executive Presidency, bicameral legislature and an independent judiciary

Head of State: President Fidel Ramos

Vice President: Joseph Estrada

Key Government Ministers: Roberto de Ocampo, Minister of Finance; Domingo Siazon, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Cesar Bautista, Minister of Trade and Industry

Languages: Tagalog (Filipino), English and Spanish

Literacy Rate: 90%

Ethnic Background: Largely Malay intermixed with Spanish and Chinese

Religion: The majority is Christian with Roman Catholic's making up 84.1% of the population. Followers of the Philippine Independent Church account for 6.2% of the population and Protestants account for 3.9% of the population. There are also minority Islamic communities, some Buddhists and Animists.

Currency: Peso (P) = 100 Centavos
C$ 1.00 = P 19.18 (average, week ending September 27, 1996)

For more information on the Philippines, visit these websites:

Yehey - Phillipines Search Engine

Packing your bags for the Philippines? Here are some tips for doing business...

• Once again, a handshake is the proper way to greet someone.
  
  
• English is used very often in business, so a simple "hello" will do the trick when you first meet a business associate.
  
  
• Show a lot of respect for elders and people in high ranks (you know, a little sucking up never hurt anyone!)
  
  
• Be ON TIME for business meetings but be ready to wait for awhile. Here's a new one; it is considered rude to show up early or o time for a social event. There you have it. All you people who are always late...this is the place for you!
  
  
• Being really loud and outspoken in public is considered rude.
  
  
• Do not stare at someone for long periods of time. It is considered rude and let's face it, it's a little bit scary!
  
  
• Family is very important to Filipinos. Be respectful towards families.
  
  
• If you go to a private home, bringing a small gift of fruit or flowers is alright. Don't splurge on a large present, though. If a drink is offered to you, take it. You could be thought of as rude if you don't!
  

Some of this information was taken from the Information Series published by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. It is available in print format.