Country
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Philippines
Republic of the Philippines
Republika ng Pilipinas
Political Status: Independent republic since July 4, 1946; currently under constitution adopted by referendum of February 2, 1987, effective from February 11.
Area: 115,830 sq. mi. (300,000 sq. km.).
Population: 96,912,186 (2012E—UN); 103,775,002 (2012E—U.S. Census).
Major Urban Centers (2005E): MANILA (de facto capital, 1,510,000), QUEZON CITY (designated capital, 2,375,000), Caloocan City (1,357,000), Davao (816,000), Cebu (783,000).
Official Languages: Pilipino and English.
Monetary Unit: Peso (market rate October 3, 2011: 43.97 pesos = $1US).
President: Benigno S. AQUINO III (Liberal Party); popularly elected on May 10, 2010, and inaugurated on June 30 for a six-year term; succeeding Gloria MACAPAGAL—ARROYO (Lakas Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats). Aquino will be up for reelection in May 2016.
Vice President: Jejomar C. BINAY (Filipino Democratic Party-Laban); elected for a six-year term on May ...