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The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. They attained independence in 1946 after Japanese occupation in World War II. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. The Philippines has had two electoral presidential transitions since the removal of MARCOS. In January 2001, the Supreme Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view of mass resignations from his government and administered the oath of office to Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his constitutional successor. The government continues to struggle with Muslim insurgencies in the south.
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Country
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Surface Area: 300,000 square km
Population: 86,241,697 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Southeast Asia
Capital City: Manila
Head of State: Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
Prime Minister: Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
Independent since: 12 June 1898 (from Spain)
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Flag (image): 
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