PHP to MYR Live Rate

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam

13 00 N, 122 00 E

2 30 N, 112 30 E

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia

total: 300,000 sq km

land: 298,170 sq km

water: 1,830 sq km

country comparison to the world: 74

total: 329,847 sq km

land: 328,657 sq km

water: 1,190 sq km

country comparison to the world: 68

0 km

total: 2,742 km

border countries (3): Brunei 266 km, Indonesia 1,881 km, Thailand 595 km

36,289 km

4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)

territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea as wide as 285 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)

tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

mean elevation: 442 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

mean elevation: 419 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,095 m

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite

agricultural land: 41%

arable land 18.2%; permanent crops 17.8%; permanent pasture 5%

forest: 25.9%

other: 33.1% (2011 est.)

agricultural land: 23.2%

arable land 2.9%; permanent crops 19.4%; permanent pasture 0.9%

forest: 62%

other: 14.8% (2011 est.)

16,270 sq km (2012)

3,800 sq km (2012)

population concentrated where good farmlands lie; highest concentrations are northwest and south-central Luzon, the southeastern extension of Luzon, and the islands of the Visayan Sea, particularly Cebu and Negros; Manila is home to one-eighth of the entire national population

a highly uneven distribution with over 80% of the population residing on the Malay Peninsula

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms each year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis

volcanism: significant volcanic activity; Taal (311 m), which has shown recent unrest and may erupt in the near future, has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Mayon (2,462 m), the country's most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over 33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo, and Ragang

flooding; landslides; forest fires

uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers; coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

note 1: favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

note 2: for decades, the Philippine archipelago was reported as having 7,107 islands; in 2016, the national mapping authority reported that hundreds of new islands had been discovered and increased the number of islands to 7,641 - though not all of the new islands have been verified

strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea

104,256,076 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

31,381,992 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 41

noun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

noun: Malaysian(s)

adjective: Malaysian

Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)

Bumiputera 61.7% (Malays and indigenous peoples, including Orang Asli, Dayak, Anak Negeri), Chinese 20.8%, Indian 6.2%, other 0.9%, non-citizens 10.4% (2017 est.)

Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai

note: Malaysia has 134 living languages - 112 indigenous languages and 22 non-indigenous languages; in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan

Catholic 82.9% (Roman Catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan 2%), Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Muslim (official) 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%, other 0.4%, none 0.8%, unspecified 1% (2010 est.)

total dependency ratio: 58.2

youth dependency ratio: 51

elderly dependency ratio: 7.2

potential support ratio: 13.8 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio: 44.6

youth dependency ratio: 36.1

elderly dependency ratio: 8.5

potential support ratio: 11.8 (2015 est.)

total: 23.5 years

male: 23.1 years

female: 24 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 169

total: 28.5 years

male: 28.2 years

female: 28.8 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 129

1.57% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 70

1.37% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 82

23.7 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 61

19.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 85

6.1 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 156

5.1 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 192

-2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 162

-0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 117

population concentrated where good farmlands lie; highest concentrations are northwest and south-central Luzon, the southeastern extension of Luzon, and the islands of the Visayan Sea, particularly Cebu and Negros; Manila is home to one-eighth of the entire national population

a highly uneven distribution with over 80% of the population residing on the Malay Peninsula

urban population: 44.2% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 1.57% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population: 76% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 2.19% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

MANILA (capital) 12.946 million; Davao 1.63 million; Cebu City 951,000; Zamboanga 936,000 (2015)

KUALA LUMPUR (capital) 6.837 million; Johor Bahru 912,000 (2015)

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.84 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

23 years

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2013 est.)

114 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 71

40 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 105

total: 21.4 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 24.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 77

total: 12.5 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 14.4 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 115

total population: 69.4 years

male: 65.9 years

female: 73.1 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 162

total population: 75.2 years

male: 72.4 years

female: 78.2 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 109

3.02 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 55

2.1 children born/woman (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 80

55.1% (2013)

52.2% (2014)

4.7% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 152

4.2% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 163

1 beds/1,000 population (2011)

1.9 beds/1,000 population (2015)

improved:

urban: 93.7% of population

rural: 90.3% of population

total: 91.8% of population

unimproved:

urban: 6.3% of population

rural: 9.7% of population

total: 8.2% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 100% of population

rural: 93% of population

total: 98.2% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

rural: 7% of population

total: 1.8% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 77.9% of population

rural: 70.8% of population

total: 73.9% of population

unimproved:

urban: 22.1% of population

rural: 29.2% of population

total: 26.1% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 96.1% of population

rural: 95.9% of population

total: 96% of population

unimproved:

urban: 3.9% of population

rural: 4.1% of population

total: 4% of population (2015 est.)

0.1% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 108

0.4% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 67

56,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 54

97,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

<1000 (2016 est.)

7,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2016)

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2016)

6.4% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 168

15.6% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 125

19.9% (2013)

country comparison to the world: 29

12.4% (2015)

country comparison to the world: 58

2.7% of GDP (2009)

country comparison to the world: 149

4.8% of GDP (2016)

country comparison to the world: 46

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.3%

male: 95.8%

female: 96.8% (2015 est.)

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.6%

male: 96.2%

female: 93.2% (2015 est.)

total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2013)

total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2015)

total: 15%

male: 14.3%

female: 16% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 89

total: 10.7%

male: 9.9%

female: 11.8% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 124

1.53 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines

conventional short form: Philippines

local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas

local short form: Pilipinas

etymology: named in honor of King PHILLIP II of Spain by Spanish explorer Ruy LOPEZ de VILLALOBOS, who visited some of the islands in 1543

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Malaysia

local long form: none

local short form: Malaysia

former: Federation of Malaya

etymology: the name means "Land of the Malays"

presidential republic

federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

note: all Peninsular Malaysian states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans) except Melaka (Malacca) and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by government; powers of state governments are limited by federal constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their own immigration controls)

name: Manila

geographic coordinates: 14 36 N, 120 58 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

name: Kuala Lumpur; note - nearby Putrajaya is referred to as a federal government administrative center but not the capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur

geographic coordinates: 3 10 N, 101 42 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

80 provinces and 39 chartered cities

provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela, Cotabato, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay

chartered cities: Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caloocan, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Lucena, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, San Juan, Santiago, Tacloban, Taguig, Valenzuela, Zamboanga (2012)

13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu; and 1 federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with 3 components, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya

4 July 1946 (from the US)

31 August 1957 (from the UK)

Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from the US

Independence Day (or Merdeka Day), 31 August (1957) (independence of Malaya); Malaysia Day, 16 September (1963) (formation of Malaysia)

history: several previous; latest ratified 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

amendments: proposed by Congress if supported by three-fourths of the membership, by a constitution convention called by Congress, or by public petition; passage by either of the 3 proposal methods requires a majority vote in a national referendum; note - the constitution has not been amended since its enactment in 1987 (2017)

history: previous 1948; latest drafted 21 February 1957, effective 27 August 1957

amendments: proposed as a “bill” by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Parliament membership in the bill’s second and third readings; a number of constitutional sections are excluded from amendment or repeal; amended many times, last in 2010 (2017)

mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic, and customary law

mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Court at request of supreme head of the federation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Philippines

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Malaysia

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 out 12 years preceding application

18 years of age; universal

21 years of age; universal

chief of state: President Rodrigo DUTERTE (since 30 June 2016); Vice President Leni ROBREDO (since 30 June 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Rodrigo DUTERTE (since 30 June 2016); Vice President Leni ROBREDO (since 30 June 2016)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments, an independent body of 25 Congressional members including the Senate president (ex officio chairman), appointed by the president

elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by simple majority popular vote for a single 6-year term; election last held on 9 May 2016 (next to be held in May 2022)

election results: Rodrigo DUTERTE elected president; percent of vote - Rodrigo DUTERTE (PDP-Laban) 39%, Manuel "Mar" ROXAS (LP) 23.5%, Grace POE (independent) 21.4%, Jejomar BINAY (UNA) 12.7%, Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO (PRP) 3.4%; Leni ROBREDO elected vice president; percent of vote Leni ROBREDO (LP) 35.1%, Bongbong MARCOS (independent) 34.5%, Alan CAYETANO 14.4%, Francis ESCUDERO (independent) 12%, Antonio TRILLANES (independent) 2.1%, Gregorio HONASAN (UNA) 1.9%

chief of state: King MUHAMMAD V (formerly known as Tuanku Muhammad Faris Petra) (selected on 14 October 2016; installed on 13 December 2016); note - the position of the king is primarily ceremonial, but he is the final arbiter on the appointment of the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister MAHATHIR Mohamad (since 10 May 2018); Deputy Prime Minister WAN AZIZAH Wan Ismail (since 10 May 2018)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among members of Parliament with the consent of the king

elections/appointments: king elected by and from the hereditary rulers of 9 states for a 5-year term; election is on a rotational basis among rulers of the 9 states; election last held on 14 October 2016 (next to be held in 2021); prime minister designated from among members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader who commands support of the majority of members in the House becomes prime minister

election results: Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak (UMNO) sworn in as prime minister for second term on 3 April 2009

description: bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by majority vote; members serve 6-year terms with one-half of the membership renewed every 3 years) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (297 seats; 238 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 59 representing minorities directly elected by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 3-year terms)

elections: Senate - elections last held on 9 May 2016 (next to be held in May 2019); House of Representatives - elections last held on 9 May 2016 (next to be held in May 2019)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - LP 31.3%, NPC 10.1%, UNA 7.6%, Akbayan 5.0%, other 30.9%, independent 15.1%; seats by party - LP 6, NPC 3, UNA 4, Akbayan 1, other 10; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - LP 41.7%, NPC 17.0%, UNA 6.6%, NUP 9.7%, NP 9.4%, independent 6.0%, others 10.1%; seats by party - LP 115, NPC 42, NUP 23, NP 24, UNA 11, other 19, independent 4, party-list 59

description: bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king and 26 indirectly elected by 13 state legislatures; members serve 3-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 9 May 2018 (next to be held in 2023)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - People's Alliance 45.6%, BN 33.8%, PAS 16.9%, WARISAN 2.3%, other 1.4%; seats by party/coalition - People's Alliance 113, BN 79, PAS 18, WARISAN 8, STAR 1, independent 3

highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of a chief justice and 14 associate justices)

judge selection and term of office: justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council, a constitutionally created, 6-member body that recommends Supreme Court nominees; justices serve until age 70

subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; Sandiganbayan (special court for corruption cases of government officials); Court of Tax Appeals; regional, metropolitan, and municipal trial courts; sharia courts

highest court(s): Federal Court (consists of the chief justice, president of the Court of Appeal, chief justice of the High Court of Malaya, chief judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak and 7 judges); note - Malaysia has a dual judicial hierarchy of civil and religious (sharia) courts

judge selection and term of office: Federal Court justices appointed by the monarch on advice of the prime minister; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65

subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Sessions Court; Magistrates' Court

Akbayon [Machris CABREROS]

Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]

Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD [Ferdinand Martin ROMUALDEZ]

Liberal Party or LP [Francis PANGILINAN]

Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel "Manny" VILLAR]

Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC [Eduardo COJUNGCO, Jr.]

National Unity Party or NUP [Albert GARCIA]

PDP-Laban [Aquilino PIMENTEL III]

People's Reform Party or PRP [Narcisco SANTIAGO]

Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Philippine Masses) or PMP [Joseph ESTRADA]

United Nationalist Alliance or UNA

National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN: Malaysian Chinese Association (Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [LIOW Tiong Lai]

Malaysian Indian Congress (Kongres India Malaysia) or MIC [S. SUBRAMANIAM]

Progressive Democratic Party or PDP [TIONG King Sing]

Sarawak People's Party (Parti Rakyat Sarawak) or PRS [James MASING]

Sarawak United People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP [Dr. SIM Kui Hian]

United Malays National Organization or UMNO [Ahmad ZAHID Hamidi]

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko Momogun Kadazan Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [Wilfred Madius TANGAU]

United Sabah Party (Parti Bersatu Sabah) or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan]

United Sabah People's (Party Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah) or PBRS [Joseph KURUP]

United Traditional Bumiputera Party (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersata) or PBB [

Coalition of Hope (Pakatan Harapan) or PH (formerly the People's Alliance):: Democratic Action Party (Parti Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [TAN Kok Wai]

Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) or PPBM [MAHATHIR Mohamad]

National Trust Party (Parti Amanah Negara) or AMANAH [Mohamad SABU]

People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [WAN AZIZAH Wan Ismail]

Other: Homeland Solidarity Party or STAR [Jeffrey KATINGAN]

Islamic Party of Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang]

Sabah Heritage Party or WARISAN [Shafie APDAL]

Black and White Movement or BWM [Vicente ROMANO]

People Action (Kilosbayan)

Bar Council

BERSIH (electoral reform coalition)

ISMA (Muslim NGO)

PERKASA (defense of Malay rights)

other: religious groups; women's groups; youth groups

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer), CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Manuel del Gallego ROMUALDEZ (since 29 November 2017)

chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300

FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

chief of mission: Ambassador ZULHASNAN Rafique (since 9 January 2017)

chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700

FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

chief of mission: Ambassador Sung KIM (since 6 December 2016)

embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila 1000

mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000

telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000

FAX: [63] (2) 301-2017

chief of mission: Ambassador Kamala Shirin LAKHDIR (since 21 February 2017)

embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

mailing address: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152

telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000

FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star; blue stands for peace and justice, red symbolizes courage, the white equal-sided triangle represents equality; the rays recall the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain, while the stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897

note: in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top

14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers

note: the design is based on the flag of the US

three stars and sun, Philippine eagle; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow

tiger, hibiscus; national colors: gold, black

name: "Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land)

lyrics/music: Jose PALMA (revised by Felipe PADILLA de Leon)/Julian FELIPE

note: music adopted 1898, original Spanish lyrics adopted 1899, Filipino (Tagalog) lyrics adopted 1956; although the original lyrics were written in Spanish, later English and Filipino versions were created; today, only the Filipino version is used

name: "Negaraku" (My Country)

lyrics/music: collective, led by Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN/Pierre Jean DE BERANGER

note: adopted 1957; full version only performed in the presence of the king; the tune, which was adopted from a popular French melody titled "La Rosalie," was originally the anthem of Perak, one of Malaysia's 13 states

The economy has been relatively resilient to global economic shocks due to less exposure to troubled international securities, lower dependence on exports, relatively resilient domestic consumption, large remittances from about 10 million overseas Filipino workers and migrants, and a rapidly expanding services industry. During 2017, the current account balance fell into the negative range, the first time since the 2008 global financial crisis, in part due to an ambitious new infrastructure spending program announced this year. However, international reserves remain at comfortable levels and the banking system is stable.

Efforts to improve tax administration and expenditures management have helped ease the Philippines' debt burden and tight fiscal situation. The Philippines received investment-grade credit ratings on its sovereign debt under the former AQUINO administration and has had little difficulty financing its budget deficits. However, weak absorptive capacity and implementation bottlenecks have prevented the government from maximizing its expenditure plans. Although it has improved, the low tax-to-GDP ratio remains a constraint to supporting increasingly higher spending levels and sustaining high and inclusive growth over the longer term.

Economic growth has accelerated, averaging over 6% per year from 2011 to 2017, compared with 4.5% under the MACAPAGAL-ARROYO government; and competitiveness rankings have improved. Although 2017 saw a new record year for net foreign direct investment inflows, FDI to the Philippines has continued to lag regional peers, in part because the Philippine constitution and other laws limit foreign investment and restrict foreign ownership in important activities/sectors - such as land ownership and public utilities.

Although the economy grew at a rapid pace under the AQUINO government, challenges to achieving more inclusive growth remain. Wealth is concentrated in the hands of the rich. The unemployment rate declined from 7.3% to 5.7% between 2010 and 2017; while there has been some improvement, underemployment remains high at around 17% to 18% of the employed population. At least 40% of the employed work in the informal sector. Poverty afflicts more than a fifth of the total population but is as high as 75% in some areas of the southern Philippines. More than 60% of the poor reside in rural areas, where the incidence of poverty (about 30%) is more severe - a challenge to raising rural farm and non-farm incomes. Continued efforts are needed to improve governance, the judicial system, the regulatory environment, the infrastructure, and the overall ease of doing business.

2016 saw the election of President Rodrigo DUTERTE, who has pledged to make inclusive growth and poverty reduction his top priority. DUTERTE believes that illegal drug use, crime and corruption are key barriers to economic development. The administration wants to reduce the poverty rate to 17% and graduate the economy to upper-middle income status by the end of President DUTERTE’s term in 2022. Key themes under the government’s Ten-Point Socioeconomic Agenda include continuity of macroeconomic policy, tax reform, higher investments in infrastructure and human capital development, and improving competitiveness and the overall ease of doing business. The administration sees infrastructure shortcomings as a key barrier to sustained economic growth and has pledged to spend $165 billion on infrastructure by 2022. Although the final outcome has yet to be seen, the current administration is shepherding legislation for a comprehensive tax reform program to raise revenues for its ambitious infrastructure spending plan and to promote a more equitable and efficient tax system. However, the need to finance rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the southern region of Mindanao following the 2017 Marawi City siege may compete with other spending on infrastructure.

Malaysia, an upper middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into a multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move further up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in high technology, knowledge-based industries and services. NAJIB's Economic Transformation Program is a series of projects and policy measures intended to accelerate the country's economic growth. The government has also taken steps to liberalize some services sub-sectors. Malaysia is vulnerable to a fall in world commodity prices or a general slowdown in global economic activity.

The NAJIB administration is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and reduce the economy's dependence on exports. Domestic demand continues to anchor economic growth, supported mainly by private consumption, which accounts for 53% of GDP. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics, oil and gas, and palm oil - remain a significant driver of the economy. In 2015, gross exports of goods and services were equivalent to 73% of GDP. The oil and gas sector supplied about 22% of government revenue in 2015, down significantly from prior years amid a decline in commodity prices and diversification of government revenues. Malaysia has embarked on a fiscal reform program aimed at achieving a balanced budget by 2020, including rationalization of subsidies and the 2015 introduction of a 6% value added tax. Sustained low commodity prices throughout the period not only strained government finances, but also shrunk Malaysia’s current account surplus and weighed heavily on the Malaysian ringgit, which was among the region’s worst performing currencies during 2013-17. The ringgit hit new lows following the US presidential election amid a broader selloff of emerging market assets.

Bank Negara Malaysia (the central bank) maintains adequate foreign exchange reserves; a well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments, although it remains vulnerable to volatile global capital flows. In order to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness, Prime Minister NAJIB raised possible revisions to the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but retreated in 2013 after he encountered significant opposition from Malay nationalists and other vested interests. In September 2013 NAJIB launched the new Bumiputra Economic Empowerment Program, policies that favor and advance the economic condition of ethnic Malays.

Malaysia signed the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement in February 2016, although the future of the TPP remains unclear following the US withdrawal from the agreement. Along with nine other ASEAN members, Malaysia established the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, which aims to advance regional economic integration.

$874.5 billion (2017 est.)

$820.4 billion (2016 est.)

$767.2 billion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 30

$926.1 billion (2017 est.)

$878.4 billion (2016 est.)

$842.8 billion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 27

$321.2 billion (2017 est.)

$309.9 billion (2017 est.)

6.6% (2017 est.)

6.9% (2016 est.)

6.1% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

5.4% (2017 est.)

4.2% (2016 est.)

5% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

$8,200 (2017 est.)

$7,900 (2016 est.)

$7,500 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 152

$28,900 (2017 est.)

$27,800 (2016 est.)

$27,000 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 70

25.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

24.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

23.7% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 47

28% of GDP (2017 est.)

28.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

28.2% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 37

household consumption: 72.7%

government consumption: 10.9%

investment in fixed capital: 25.2%

investment in inventories: -0.2%

exports of goods and services: 32.1%

imports of goods and services: -40.7% (2017 est.)

household consumption: 55.4%

government consumption: 12.5%

investment in fixed capital: 26.3%

investment in inventories: 0.1%

exports of goods and services: 75.2%

imports of goods and services: -69.5% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 9.4%

industry: 30.8%

services: 59.8% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 8.4%

industry: 36.9%

services: 54.7% (2017 est.)

rice, fish, livestock, poultry, bananas, coconut/copra, corn, sugarcane, mangoes, pineapple, cassava

Peninsular Malaysia - palm oil, rubber, cocoa, rice; Sabah - palm oil, subsistence crops; rubber, timber; Sarawak - palm oil, rubber, timber; pepper

semiconductors and electronics assembly, business process outsourcing, food and beverage manufacturing, construction, electric/gas/water supply, chemical products, radio/television/communications equipment and apparatus, petroleum and fuel, textile and garments, non-metallic minerals, basic metal industries, transport equipment

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics and semiconductors, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum and natural gas production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum and natural gas production, logging

6.5% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

4.6% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 57

44.46 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

14.94 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 40

agriculture: 26.9%

industry: 17.5%

services: 55.6% (2016 est.)

agriculture: 11%

industry: 36%

services: 53% (2012 est.)

6% (2017 est.)

5.5% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 86

3.4% (2017 est.)

3.5% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 38

21.6% (2017 est.)

3.8% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 29.5% (2015 est.)

lowest 10%: 1.8%

highest 10%: 34.7% (2009 est.)

44.4 (2015 est.)

46 (2012 est.)

country comparison to the world: 46

46.2 (2009 est.)

49.2 (1997 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

revenues: $44.74 billion

expenditures: $53.55 billion (2017 est.)

revenues: $51.23 billion

expenditures: $60.26 billion (2017 est.)

13.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 198

16.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 181

-2.7% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 103

-2.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 109

41.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

42.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 131

52.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

52.7% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: this figure is based on the amount of federal government debt, RM501.6 billion ($167.2 billion) in 2012; this includes Malaysian Treasury bills and other government securities, as well as loans raised externally and bonds and notes issued overseas; this figure excludes debt issued by non-financial public enterprises and guaranteed by the federal government, which was an additional $47.7 billion in 2012

country comparison to the world: 95

calendar year

calendar year

3.1% (2017 est.)

1.8% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 130

3.8% (2017 est.)

2.1% (2016 est.)

note: approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled

country comparison to the world: 150

3.56% (31 December 2016 est.)

6.19% (31 December 2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 101

3% (31 December 2011 est.)

2.83% (31 December 2010 est.)

country comparison to the world: 108

6% (31 December 2017 est.)

5.64% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 127

4.5% (31 December 2017 est.)

4.49% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 151

$68.16 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$61.62 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 48

$95.12 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$84.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 42

$199 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$183.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 41

$406.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$365.1 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 28

$207.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$184.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 46

$447.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$398.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

$290.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

$286.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$318 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

$383 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$459 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$500.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 27

$-315 million (2017 est.)

$601 million (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 97

$7.486 billion (2017 est.)

$6.996 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

$53.22 billion (2017 est.)

$43.44 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 51

$188.2 billion (2017 est.)

$165.3 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

semiconductors and electronic products, machinery and transport equipment, wood manufactures, chemicals, processed food and beverages, garments, coconut oil, copper concentrates, seafood, bananas/fruits

semiconductors and electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals, solar panels

Japan 16.2%, US 14.8%, Hong Kong 13.7%, China 11.1%, Singapore 6.1%, Thailand 4.2%, Germany 4.1%, South Korea 4% (2017)

Singapore 14.7%, China 12.6%, US 10.3%, Japan 8.1%, Thailand 5.7%, Hong Kong 4.8%, India 4.1% (2016)

$90.42 billion (2017 est.)

$77.52 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 37

$163.4 billion (2017 est.)

$140.9 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 27

electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains, chemicals, plastic

electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals

China 18.1%, Japan 11.4%, South Korea 8.7%, US 8%, Thailand 7.1%, Indonesia 6.8%, Singapore 5.9%, Taiwan 5.3% (2016)

China 19.4%, Singapore 9.8%, Japan 7.7%, US 7.6%, Thailand 5.8%, South Korea 5%, Indonesia 4% (2016)

$81.53 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$80.69 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 30

$97.44 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$94.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 27

$80.88 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$75.01 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

$213 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$195.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 35

$67.25 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$64.25 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 54

$133.2 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$121.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 41

$47.58 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$45.38 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

$137.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$126.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar -

50.21 (2017 est.)

47.49 (2016 est.)

47.49 (2015 est.)

45.5 (2014 est.)

44.4 (2013 est.)

ringgits (MYR) per US dollar -

4.34 (2017 est.)

4.15 (2016 est.)

4.15 (2015 est.)

3.91 (2014 est.)

3.27 (2013 est.)

population without electricity: 20,600,000

electrification - total population: 88%

electrification - urban areas: 94%

electrification - rural areas: 82% (2013)

population without electricity: 100,000

electrification - total population: 99.5%

electrification - urban areas: 99.8%

electrification - rural areas: 98.7% (2013)

90.8 billion kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 37

141.9 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 30

74.15 billion kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 38

133 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 188

3 million kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 94

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 192

13 million kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 113

21.21 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 42

33.34 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

67.5% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 108

82.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 82

0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 172

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 148

16.9% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 97

14% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 107

15.6% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 46

4% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 105

20,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 69

666,900 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

4,942 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 63

310,900 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

215,800 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

194,400 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 31

138.5 million bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 68

3.6 billion bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

169,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

512,900 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 31

390,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 38

760,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

13,140 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 78

231,400 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

186,100 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

409,500 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 23

2.6 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 57

63.43 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

3.196 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 77

40.67 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

0 cu m (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 171

34.99 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 10

0 cu m (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 179

3.27 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 41

98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 53

1.183 trillion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

88 million Mt (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

208 million Mt (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 27

total subscriptions: 3,835,910.54

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 40

total subscriptions: 4,837,200

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 30

total: 113 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 108 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

total: 43,912,600

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 140 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

general assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate

domestic: telecommunications infrastructure includes the following platforms: fixed line, mobile cellular, cable TV, over-the-air TV, radio and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), fiber-optic cable, and satellite for redundant international connectivity

international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to the US, and to countries like Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Brunei, and Malaysia, among others; multiple international gateways (2016)

general assessment: modern system featuring good intercity service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent

domestic: domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 155 per 100 persons

international: country code - 60; landing point for several major international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2016)

multiple national private TV and radio networks; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems available; more than 400 TV stations; about 1,500 cable TV providers with more than 2 million subscribers, and some 1,400 radio stations; the Philippines adopted Japan’s Integrated Service Digital Broadcast – Terrestrial standard for digital terrestrial television in November 2013 and is scheduled to complete the switch from analog to digital broadcasting by the end of 2023 (2016)

state-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 TV networks with relays throughout the country, and the leading private commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national networks, as well as regional and local stations; many private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription satellite radio services are available; about 55 radio stations overall (2012)

.ph

.my

total: 56,956,436

percent of population: 55.5% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

total: 24,384,952

percent of population: 78.8% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 30

number of registered air carriers: 11

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 158

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 32,230,986

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 484,190,968 mt-km (2015)

number of registered air carriers: 12

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 263

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 50,347,149

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,005,979,379 mt-km (2015)

RP (2016)

9M (2016)

247 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 24

114 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 51

total: 89

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 33

914 to 1,523 m: 34

under 914 m: 10 (2017)

total: 39

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 8 (2017)

total: 158

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 56

under 914 m: 99 (2013)

total: 75

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 69 (2013)

2 (2013)

4 (2013)

gas 530 km; oil 138 km (non-operational); refined products 185 km (2017)

condensate 354 km; gas 6,439 km; liquid petroleum gas 155 km; oil 1,937 km; oil/gas/water 43 km; refined products 114 km; water 26 km (2013)

total: 77 km

narrow gauge: 28 km 1.067-m gauge

standard guage: 49 km 1.435-m guage (2017)

country comparison to the world: 89

total: 1,851 km

standard gauge: 59 km 1.435-m gauge (59 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (339 km electrified) (2014)

country comparison to the world: 77

total: 216,387 km

paved: 61,093 km

unpaved: 155,294 km (2014)

country comparison to the world: 24

total: 144,403 km (excludes local roads)

paved: 116,169 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways)

unpaved: 28,234 km (2010)

country comparison to the world: 35

3,219 km (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m) (2011)

country comparison to the world: 30

7,200 km (Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km) (2011)

country comparison to the world: 19

total: 1,508

by type: bulk carrier 64, container ship 33, general cargo 627, oil tanker 184, other 600 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 18

total: 1,690

by type: bulk carrier 12, container ship 26, general cargo 188, oil tanker 129, other 1,335 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 14

major seaport(s): Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila

container port(s) (TEUs): Manila (3,976,000) (2015)

major seaport(s): Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang (Port Klang), Tanjung Pelepas

container port(s) (TEUs): George Town (Penang) (1,317,000), Port Kelang (Port Klang) (11,887,000), Tanjung Pelepas (8,797,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (export): Bintulu (Sarawak)

LNG terminal(s) (import): Sungei Udang

1.28% of GDP (2016)

1.14% of GDP (2015)

1.09% of GDP (2014)

1.24% of GDP (2013)

1.16% of GDP (2012)

country comparison to the world: 90

1.41% of GDP (2016)

1.53% of GDP (2015)

1.46% of GDP (2014)

1.52% of GDP (2013)

1.43% of GDP (2012)

country comparison to the world: 83

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2013)

Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2013)

17-23 years of age (officers 20-24) for voluntary military service; no conscription; applicants must be single male or female Philippine citizens with either 72 college credit hours (enlisted) or a baccalaureate degree (officers) (2013)

17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent and proof of age); mandatory retirement age 60; women serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces; no conscription (2013)

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; during 2016, 10 attacks were reported in and around the Philippines including six ships that were boarded, one hijacked, one fired upon, and 18 crew were kidnapped for ransom; an emerging threat area lies in the Celebes and Sulu Seas between the Philippines and Malaysia where 12 crew were kidnapped in three incidents during the last quarter of 2016; it is believed the pirates involved are associated with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorist organization; during the first six months of 2017, 13 attacks were reported including 10 ships that were boarded, one was fired upon, 10 crew were kidnapped for ransom and two killed; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

the International Maritime Bureau reports that the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea remain high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; in the past, commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; seven attacks were reported in 2016 including five ships boarded, two hijacked, and 47 crew taken hostage, this is down from 13 attacks in 2015; during the first half of 2017, three attacks were reported including two ships that were boarded and one that was hijacked

Philippines claims sovereignty over Scarborough Reef (also claimed by China together with Taiwan) and over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf; maritime delimitation negotiations continue with Palau

while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awarded sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but did not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; land and maritime negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and disputed areas include the controversial Tanjung Datu and Camar Wulan border area in Borneo and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; per Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei in exchange for Brunei's sultan dropping claims to the Limbang corridor, which divides Brunei; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

IDPs: 445,000 (government troops fighting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the New People's Army; clan feuds; natural disasters) (2017)

stateless persons: 4,636 (2016); note - stateless persons are descendants of Indonesian migrants

refugees (country of origin): 87,036 (Burma) (2016)

stateless persons: 10,931 (2016); note - Malaysia's stateless population consists of Rohingya refugees from Burma, ethnic Indians, and the children of Filipino and Indonesian illegal migrants; Burma stripped the Rohingya of their nationality in 1982; Filipino and Indonesian children who have not been registered for birth certificates by their parents or who received birth certificates stamped "foreigner" are not eligible to attend government schools; these children are vulnerable to statelessness should they not be able to apply to their parents' country of origin for passports

domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years despite government crackdowns; major consumer of amphetamines; longstanding marijuana producer mainly in rural areas where Manila's control is limited

drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously, including enforcement of the death penalty; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional drug market

current situation: Malaysia is a destination and, to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and women and children subjected to sex trafficking; Malaysia is mainly a destination country for foreign workers who migrate willingly from countries, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nepal, Burma, and other Southeast Asian countries, but subsequently encounter forced labor or debt bondage in agriculture, construction, factories, and domestic service at the hands of employers, employment agents, and labor recruiters; women from Southeast Asia and, to a much lesser extent, Africa, are recruited for legal work in restaurants, hotels, and salons but are forced into prostitution; refugees, including Rohingya adults and children, are not legally permitted to work and are vulnerable to trafficking; a small number of Malaysians are trafficked internally and subjected to sex trafficking abroad

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch list - Malaysia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, amendments to strengthen existing anti-trafficking laws, including enabling victims to move freely and to work and for NGOs to run protective facilities, were drafted by the government and are pending approval from Parliament; authorities more than doubled investigations and prosecutions but convicted only three traffickers for forced labor and none for sex trafficking, a decline from 2013 and a disproportionately small number compared to the scale of the country’s trafficking problem; NGOs provided the majority of victim rehabilitation and counseling services with no financial support from the government (2015)