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More than 7,000 islands make up the Philippines, but the bulk of its fast-growing population lives on just 11 of them.
Much of the country is mountainous and prone to earthquakes and eruptions from around 20 active volcanoes. It is often buffeted by typhoons and other storms.
The Philippines - a Spanish colony for more than three centuries, and named after a 16th Century Spanish king - was taken over by the US in the early 20th Century after a protracted rebellion against rule from Madrid.
Spanish and US influences remain strong, especially in terms of language, religion and government. Self-rule in 1935 was followed by full independence in 1946 under a US-style constitution.
The US is a close ally and has provided military aid to help combat Islamist and communist insurgencies.
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES: FACTS
- Capital: Manila
- Area: 300,000 sq km
- Population: 109,035,300 million
- Languages: Filipino, English, plus regional languages
- Life expectancy: 70 years (men) 74 years (women)
LEADER
President: Ferdinand Marcos Jr
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The son of authoritarian President Ferdinand Marcos won a landslide victory in the May 2022 election.
He took over from firebrand Rodrigo Duterte, who came to power in 2016 after winning over voters with promises of a no-holds-barred campaign to take on crime, drugs and corruption.
President Marcos, known by the nickname Bongbong, enlisted Sara Duterte, the daughter of the outgoing president, as his vice-president, thereby uniting two populist right-wing dynasties.
MEDIA
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Powerful commercial interests control or influence much of the media.
The lively TV scene is dominated by free-to-air networks ABS-CBN and GMA. There are hundreds of radio stations and a vigorous newspaper scene.
The constitution guarantees press freedom, but the Philippines is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.
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TIMELINE
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Some key dates in The Philippines' history:
900AD - Laguna Copperplate Inscription, mostly written on Old Malay, is the earliest record of a Philippine language and the presence of writing in the islands.
11th Century - Some areas become part of China's tributary system.
14th Century - Indian cultural traits such as linguistic terms and religious practices began to spread in the Philippines.
15th Century - Islam is first established in the Sulu Archipelago.
1542 - Spanish expedition claims the islands and names them the Philippines after the heir to the Spanish throne. Three centuries of Spanish rule fail to conquer Muslim areas in the south.
1896-98 - Philippine Revolution: Filipino revolutionaries fight against the Spanish colonial authorities in an attempt to win the archipelago's independence.
1897 - Spanish authorities and revolutionaries sign the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, which temporarily reduces, and revolutionary officers exile themselves to Hong Kong.
1898 - During the Spanish-American War, the US navy destroys the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. Spain cedes the Philippines to the US, which proclaims military rule and begins to forcibly incorporate Muslim areas.
1898-1902 - Philippine-American War: Tensions arise after the US annexes the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris at end of the Spanish-American War rather than acknowledging the Philippines' declaration of independence. The war can be seen as a continuation of the Philippine struggle for independence that began in 1896 with the Philippine Revolution.
1916 - Jones Act, or Philippine Autonomy Act, which has the first formal declaration by the US to grant eventual independence to the Philippines.
1935 - Commonwealth of the Philippines: Philippines gains internal self-government, with the US responsible for foreign relations.
1941-1945 - The Philippines are occupied by Japan during the World War Two, but are retaken by the US in bitter fighting. More than 500,000 Filipinos die during the war.
1946 - The islands are granted full independence and renamed the Republic of the Philippines.
1942-1954 - Hukbalahap Rebellion: Rebellion by former Hukbalahap or Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon ("People's Army Against Japan") soldiers against the Philippine government. During the Japanese occupation the Huk guerrillas created village strongholds against the Japanese. After 1945, the new Philippine government, prompted by the US disarmed and arrested the Huks for allegedly being communists. The rebellion eventually petered out in the 1950s.
1965 - Ferdinand Marcos is elected president; he declares martial law in 1972.
1983 - Anti-Marcos lawyer Benigno Aquino is assassinated at Manila's airport as he returns from exile.
1986 - Marcos ousted in "people power" revolt after claiming victory over Aquino's widow in an election that many believe was stolen.
2001 - President Joseph Estrada is forced out by a military-backed "people power" uprising.
2014 - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebel group signs a peace deal with the government, ending one of Asia's longest and deadliest conflicts.
2017 - Islamic State jihadists attack the city of Marawi in Mindanao.
2022 - Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son of the previous dictator, is elected president.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of geopolitics and history, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the multifaceted context of the Philippines. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and a profound understanding of historical events, political landscapes, and cultural nuances.
The article you provided delves into the complex tapestry of the Philippines, touching upon its geography, history, politics, and culture. Let's dissect the key concepts mentioned in the text:
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Geography and Demographics:
- The Philippines comprises more than 7,000 islands, with the majority of its population concentrated on just 11 islands.
- The country is characterized by mountainous terrain and is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions from around 20 active volcanoes.
- The Philippines frequently experiences typhoons and storms.
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Historical Background:
- The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over three centuries, named after a 16th Century Spanish king.
- The US took control in the early 20th Century after a rebellion against Spanish rule.
- Spanish and US influences persist, particularly in language, religion, and government.
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Political Landscape:
- The Philippines achieved self-rule in 1935 and full independence in 1946 under a US-style constitution.
- The article mentions the recent election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the President of the Philippines in 2022, succeeding Rodrigo Duterte.
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Media Landscape:
- Powerful commercial interests exert control or influence over much of the media.
- Key media players include free-to-air networks ABS-CBN and GMA, along with numerous radio stations and newspapers.
- Press freedom is guaranteed by the constitution, but the Philippines is noted as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists.
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Historical Timeline:
- The timeline outlines significant events in Philippine history, such as the Spanish claim in 1542, the Philippine Revolution in 1896-98, and the granting of independence in 1946.
- Notable events include the Hukbalahap Rebellion, martial law declared by Ferdinand Marcos in 1972, and the "people power" revolt ousting Marcos in 1986.
- Recent events include the 2014 peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the 2022 election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
This comprehensive overview provides a glimpse into the rich and dynamic history of the Philippines, highlighting its geopolitical significance and the intricate interplay of historical, cultural, and political forces that have shaped the nation.
