12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4 July 1946 (from the US)
28 July 1821 (from Spain)
Religions
Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)
Roman Catholic 81%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.4%, other Christian 0.7%, other 0.6%, unspecified or none 16.3% (2003 est.)
Languages
Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, and a large number of minor Amazonian languages
Exports
semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, fruits