Republic of the Philippines

Population

Population:92,681,453 (July 2008 est.)

Capital: Manila

Nationality: Filipino

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%

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

Government

Republic.

Economy

Although the general economic condition is the best it's been in three decades, the Philippines continues to face important challenges in order to catch up with regional competitors, improve employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty.

Currency (code): Philippine peso (PHP)

Exchange rates: Philippine pesos per US dollar - 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006), 55.086 (2005)

Leaders planted a church in Bagog Silang, a slum area of more than 1 million people.

Rich & Ning Conte, their team of leaders, and our ministry team, pray for the Manila Church plant. That opening service welcomed 450 people, and has grown to 1600 weekly members.

Pastor Terry Purvis ministers to 400 women at a recent women's conference

Pastor Rich & Victory pastors gather for a training conference.