THE PHILIPPINES
List of TERRAs
Country profile
The Republic of the Philippines is an extensive archipelago in Southeast Asia made up of more than 7,100 islands and with an approximate area of 297,000 km2.
It has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season, with temperatures reaching up to 37º, and the rainy season. The best time to visit the country is from July to November.
- Estimated population (in millions):
- 81,6
- Life expectancy (in years):
- 70,7
- Infant mortality rate (per every 1,000 live births):
- 26
- Female literacy rate (>14 years old):
- 92,7 %
- Male literacy rate (>14 years old):
- 92,5 %
- Children completing 5th grade of primary school:
- 75 %
- Population living below the poverty level (= $2 a day):
- 47,5 %
Problems
Poverty is the main problem in the Philippines. This lack of resources negatively affects the educational system, which has been deteriorating over the last three decades. This deterioration, which provokes a high school dropout rate, is compounded by the malnutrition affecting a large number of the students.