Philippines
|
| Population |
91.1 m (2007) |
| Languages |
Filipino and English; eight major dialects |
| Religion |
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) |
| Literacy |
92.6% (2000) |
| Life expectancy |
70.51 years (2007) |
| % below poverty line |
40% (2001) |
High population growth, corruption, social and political unrest and a series of natural disasters have played havoc with the economy in the Philippines causing widespread poverty and unemployment. This is also affecting the lives of children: an estimated five million work instead of going to school. Many children in impoverished areas suffer from malnutrition: 28 per cent of the under-5s are underweight.
Compassion’s ministry in the Philippines started in 1972, Today nearly 35,000 children receive help through projects.
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