World Happiness Report for Philippines 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Philippines: 53
- Happiness Score Philippines:6.048
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Philippines. PH.
- The Philippines is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and government.
- The country has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by various indigenous, Spanish, and American traditions.
- The Philippines is a major player in the global outsourcing industry, particularly in call centers and business process outsourcing (BPO) services.
- The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, making it the second largest archipelago in the world.
- The country is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush mountains, and vibrant coral reefs.
- The Philippines is the world’s leading producer of coconuts, and is also a major exporter of pineapples and bananas.
Philippines – A Comprehensive Overview
Brief History
Early History: The Philippine archipelago has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the earliest settlers believed to be Negritos and Austronesian peoples. Ancient civilizations such as the Madjapahit Empire from Java and the Srivijayan Empire from Sumatra had significant influence in the region.
Kingdoms and Empires: The archipelago saw the rise and fall of several notable kingdoms and sultanates, including the Majapahit Empire, the Bruneian Empire, and the Sultanate of Sulu. These kingdoms were instrumental in the spread of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam across the islands.
Colonial Period: In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization that lasted for over 300 years. The Spanish established control, converted many Filipinos to Catholicism, and integrated the archipelago into the Spanish East Indies.
Independence and Modern Era: After a series of revolutionary movements, the Philippines gained independence from Spain in 1898, only to be ceded to the United States following the Spanish-American War. The Philippines declared independence from the United States in 1946 after a period of American rule. The country experienced a tumultuous period of political instability, culminating in the Marcos dictatorship from 1972 to 1986. The People Power Revolution peacefully overthrew Marcos and restored democracy.
Current Political Situation: The Philippines is a presidential, democratic republic with a multi-party system. The current President is Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022 after a controversial election. The country faces ongoing challenges with corruption, poverty, and human rights issues.
International Relations: The Philippines has close ties with the United States and is a founding member of ASEAN. It has territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea, leading to tensions in the region.
Human Development and Economy: The Philippines has a mixed economy, with major industries including electronics, business process outsourcing, and remittances from overseas workers. Despite progress, significant income inequality and poverty persist.
Cultural Highlights: The Philippines has a rich and diverse culture, with influences from indigenous, Spanish, and American traditions. It is a predominantly Christian country, with over 80% of the population being Catholic. Notable cultural contributions include traditional arts, music, and dance forms.
Pressing Challenges and Opportunities: Key challenges facing the Philippines include poverty alleviation, sustainable development, corruption, and managing territorial disputes. Opportunities lie in further economic growth, strengthening democratic institutions, and leveraging its strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region.
Travel Tips for Philippines
Best Times to Visit: The dry season, from November to April, is generally considered the best time to visit. However, certain regions may have different seasonal patterns.
Cultural Etiquette: Filipinos are known for their hospitality and respect for elders. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and remove shoes when entering homes. Public displays of affection should be discreet.
Safety Precautions: Exercise caution in crowded areas and be vigilant against petty crimes like pickpocketing. Avoid traveling to areas with active insurgencies or conflicts.
Must-See Landmarks: Visit the historic Intramuros in Manila, explore the underground river in Puerto Princesa, and marvel at the Banaue Rice Terraces. The beaches of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu are also popular destinations.
Culinary Experiences: Try authentic Filipino dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon. The Philippines is also known for its fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
Living in Philippines
Cost of Living: The cost of living in the Philippines is relatively low compared to many other countries, especially outside of major cities like Manila. Housing, food, and transportation can be quite affordable.
Housing: Expats can choose from apartments, condominiums, or houses, with rental prices varying depending on location and amenities.
Healthcare: The Philippines has a mixed public and private healthcare system. While public healthcare is affordable, many expats opt for private healthcare facilities, which offer higher standards of care.
Education: The Philippines has a well-established education system, with options for public and private schools, as well as international schools catering to expatriate families.
Lifestyle: Filipinos are known for their warm and welcoming nature. Expats can enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, diverse cuisine, and a tropical climate. However, traffic congestion and air pollution can be issues in major cities.
Cultural Norms and Legal Requirements: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Foreigners may need to obtain visas or permits for long-term stays or employment.
Doing Business in [Country name] – Philippines
Business Culture: Building personal relationships and establishing trust are essential in Philippine business culture. Hierarchies are respected, and decision-making can be centralized.
Economic Climate: The Philippines has a growing economy, with key industries including electronics, business process outsourcing, and tourism. However, corruption, bureaucracy, and infrastructure challenges can hinder business operations.
Key Industries: Major industries include electronics manufacturing, remittances from overseas workers, business process outsourcing, and tourism.
Legal Frameworks: Foreign investors should familiarize themselves with local laws and regulations, especially regarding taxation, labor, and intellectual property rights.
Negotiation and Relationships: Patience and flexibility are important in negotiations. Building relationships and personal connections can facilitate successful business dealings.
Studying in [Country name] – Philippines
Educational System: The Philippines has a well-established educational system, with primary and secondary education following a K-12 model. Higher education institutions include public and private universities and colleges.
Top Universities: Some of the top universities in the Philippines include the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas.
Student Life: University campuses often have lively student communities, with opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations.
Visa Requirements: International students may need to obtain a student visa and meet certain requirements, such as proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Opportunities for International Students: Many universities offer programs and courses taught in English, catering to international students. There are also opportunities for cultural immersion and language learning.
Main facts
1. Location
The Philippines is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia, situated in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 7,641 islands, strategically positioned along the western rim of the Pacific Ocean. The country is bounded by the Philippine Sea on the east, the South China Sea on the west, and the Celebes Sea on the southwest.
2. Map References
The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia, situated in the western Pacific Ocean.
3. Area – Comparative
With a total area of 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 square miles), the Philippines is slightly larger than the US state of Arizona.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
The Philippines has no land boundaries, as it is an archipelagic nation.
5. Coastline
The Philippines has a coastline of 36,289 kilometers (22,549 miles), one of the longest in the world. Its coasts feature numerous bays, inlets, and beaches.
6. Maritime Claims
The Philippines claims the following maritime zones:
Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
Continental Shelf: 200 meters or to the depth of exploitation
7. Climate
The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate, with relatively high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. The country experiences a dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November. Regional variations exist due to the diverse topography.
8. Terrain
The Philippines is an archipelago with a diverse terrain ranging from coastal lowlands to interior mountains and valleys. Notable features include the mountainous regions of Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayan Islands, as well as fertile plains and alluvial valleys.
9. Elevation Extremes
Highest Elevation: Mount Apo (2,954 meters/9,692 feet) on the island of Mindanao
Lowest Elevation: Philippine Sea (0 meters)
10. Natural Resources
The Philippines is rich in natural resources, including timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, and copper.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in the Philippines include the Philippine Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and the Bohol Sea. Significant rivers are the Cagayan, Mindanao, and Pulangi. The country also has several major lakes, such as Laguna de Bay and Lake Lanao.
12. Natural Hazards
The Philippines is prone to various natural hazards, including typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods, due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical maritime climate.
13. Geography – Notes
The Philippines is considered a megadiverse country, with a high degree of biodiversity and endemism. Its geographical location and diverse ecosystems make it vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 27.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 122,287. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 41.70%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 12.879721121.774017.
- Capital: The capital of Philippines is Manila
- Major Cities:
- Manila – Population: 1,780,148
- Quezon City – Population: 2,936,116
- Davao City – Population: 1,632,991
- Cebu City – Population: 922,611
- Zamboanga City – Population: 861,799
- Population: 108,116,615
- Area(Km2): 300000
- Population Density( P/Km²):368. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:63
- Official Language(s):Philippines is primarily spoken in Tagalog (Filipino) at 96.3%.
- Currency: PHP
Main Economic Indicators
The Philippine economy is the 36th largest in the world, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $376.8 billion as of 2022. It is a newly industrialized, emerging market economy driven by a mix of agriculture, industry, and services. Major economic challenges include poverty, inequality, infrastructure gaps, and climate vulnerability. The government has focused on fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, and attracting foreign investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 3.9% (Source: Philippine Statistics Authority)
2022: 5.8% (Source: Philippine Statistics Authority)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BBB (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB+ (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 10.3%
Industry: 30.1%
Services: 59.6%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Rice, coconut, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, pork, eggs, fish
Industrial Products: Electronics, transport equipment, machinery, food and beverages, chemicals, petroleum, textiles, garments
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 48.8 million (2022)
Comparative Ranking: 13th largest globally
Current Account Balance
2021: -$6.4 billion (-1.6% of GDP)
2022: -$12.2 billion (-3.2% of GDP)
Comparative Ranking: 178th globally
Exports and Imports
Total Exports (2022): $77.7 billion
Key Export Partners: China, United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong
Major Exports: Electronics, machinery, transport equipment, processed food and beverages, wood products, garments
Total Imports (2022): $132.5 billion
Key Import Partners: China, Japan, South Korea, United States, Indonesia
Major Imports: Electronics, machinery, mineral fuels, transport equipment, chemicals, plastics
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (2022): $93.7 billion
Gold Reserves (2022): 196.5 metric tons
- GDP (Current US$):$376,795,508,680. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 43.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.86. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $1.12. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 2.15%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Filipino
Adjective: Philippine
Ethnic Groups
Major Ethnic Groups:
- Tagalog (28.1%)
- Cebuano (13.1%)
- Ilocano (9%)
- Bisaya/Binisaya (7.6%)
- Hiligaynon Ilonggo (7.5%)
- Bikol (6%)
- Waray (3.4%)
- Other (25.3%)
Religions
Main Religious Affiliations:
- Roman Catholic (80.6%)
- Muslim (5.6%)
- Evangelical (2.6%)
- Iglesia ni Cristo (2.3%)
- Other Christian (4.2%)
- Other (0.6%)
- Unspecified (4.1%)
Age Structure
Distribution of Population:
- 0-14 years: 31.85%
- 15-64 years: 62.64%
- 65 years and over: 5.51%
Dependency Ratios
Dependency Ratios:
- Total Dependency Ratio: 59.7
- Youth Dependency Ratio: 50.9
- Elderly Dependency Ratio: 8.8
Median Age
Median Age:
- Total: 25.7 years
- Male: 24.9 years
- Female: 26.5 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Relevant Lifestyle Statistics:
- Obesity Rate: 6.4% of the adult population
- Alcohol Consumption: 6.5 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
- Tobacco Use: 22.7% of adults smoke tobacco
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.2 years
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.1. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 96.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:20.55. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.58. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 64.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 50,975,903. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):53.50%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Armed Forces of the Philippines consist of the following main branches:
- Philippine Army
- Philippine Navy
- Philippine Air Force
Special units include the Scout Rangers (elite light infantry), Special Operations Command, and Naval Special Operations Group.
The Philippine National Police is responsible for internal security, law enforcement, and public safety.
Military Expenditures
Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.1%
- 2021: 1.0%
- 2020: 1.0%
- 2019: 1.0%
- 2018: 1.1%
The Philippines ranks #56 globally in military expenditure.
Personnel Strengths
Total active-duty military personnel: 145,000
- Army: 90,000
- Navy: 25,000
- Air Force: 17,000
Other security services include the Philippine Coast Guard (10,000 personnel).
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Main military hardware includes:
- Fighter aircraft: FA-50 light attack jets, lead-in fighter trainers
- Utility helicopters: UH-1 Hueys, Bell 412s
- Naval vessels: Frigates, patrol vessels, landing craft
- Armored vehicles: APCs, IFVs, self-propelled howitzers
Significant future acquisitions include multirole fighter jets, offshore patrol vessels, and maritime patrol aircraft.
Military Service Age and Obligation
The Philippines has no conscription or mandatory military service. Voluntary military service age:
- Army/Air Force: 18-49 years old
- Navy: 18-39 years old
Military Deployments
Current overseas deployments include:
- Contingent of approximately 280 personnel in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
- Deployments to support counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East
Strategic Military Notes
The Philippines’ defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, internal security operations, and maritime security in surrounding waters. Key priorities include counterterrorism and disaster response capabilities.
The Philippines is a founding member of ASEAN and participates in regional security initiatives. It has a Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States and cooperates on counterterrorism efforts.
- Armed Forces Size: 150000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.6
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 59.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.