republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch
Independence date
12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4 July 1946 (from the US)
27 October 1991 (from Soviet Union)
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)
Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%
Languages
Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%
Exports
semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, fruits
