arsat, Intelsat,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNTAET, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
(vacant); Acting Ambassador Ariel ABADILLA

chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300

FAX: [1] (202) 467-9317

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San
Francisco

consulate(s): San Diego

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
(vacant); Charge d'Affairs Michael E. MALINOWSKI

embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000 Manila

mailing address: FPO 96515

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

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 about 3% in 1999 and 3.6% in 2000. 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, moving toward further deregulation and
privatization of the economy, and increasing trade integration with
the region.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $310 billion (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 3.6% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $3,800 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 20%

industry: 32%

services: 48% (1997 est.)

Population below poverty line: 41% (1997 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%:
1.5%

highest 10%: 39.3% (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (2000 est.)

Labor force: 48.1 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 39.8%, government and
social services 19.4%, services 17.7%, manufacturin