The Republic of the Philippines is the world’s twelfth most populous country, with more than 7,000 islands. The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. All neighboring countries lay across seas. Taiwan is to the north across the Luzon Sea, and Vietnam is to the South across the South China Sea. To the east, the Philippines are bounded by the Philippine Sea. It is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and the tropical climate makes the country more prone to earthquakes and typhoons. The Philippines location also presents the country with natural resources, making it one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world.
During World War II, Japan launched a surprise attack on the Philippines in 1941. The United States and Philippines naval forces and aircrafts were destroyed forcing Manila to become an open city in which Japan took control. The Japanese began organizing a government system in the Philippines even though they promised them independence. Guerilla forces were put up everywhere for the final offensive. The Japanese finally surrender in 1945 after a long battle. The Philippines was now destroyed.
The Philippines Declaration of Independence occurred on June 12, 1898, but was ignored by the Spanish and Americans. The Spanish later handed the Philippines over to the United States and in 1946 the Philippines gained Independence from the United States. The Treaty of Manila was made between the Filipinos and the Americans. The Philippines is a constitutional republic now with a presidential system of government. It is governed as a unitary state, except for a region of Muslims, which is largely free from the national government. The president functions as the head of state and government and is in charge of the armed forces. He /She is elected by vote for a six-year term.
The Philippines now have a rising economy and decently strong armed forces. Since World War II the Philippines have grown as a nation and united as a whole much more. Many historical leaders and events shaped the Philippines today, as they become the twelfth most populous country in the world.
