Country Profile

A history marked by successive waves of human migration has shaped a multicultural present, with the Philippines being home to multiple ethnicities and dialects. The country’s abundant biodiversity, natural resources and youthful demographics are all assets that have garnered recognition from investors in recent years. With presidential, congressional and local elections all scheduled for next year, 2015 looks set to be a time of political debate in the Philippines. Sustained economic growth and the Philippines’ newly attained investment-grade status notwithstanding, the maintenance of peace in the Mindanao region and persistent poverty levels remain key areas to address as the country prepares for its successful integration into the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

This chapter contains an interview with President Benigno Aquino III; and viewpoints from Barack Obama, US President; and Nicholas Hulot, Special Envoy of the French President for the Protection of the Planet.