[fil-uh-peenz, fil-uh-peenz] 
) | an archipelago of 7083 islands in the Pacific, SE of China: formerly (1898–1946) under the guardianship of the U.S.; now an independent republic. 76,103,564; 114,830 sq. mi. (297,410 sq. km). Capital: Manila. |
Phil·ip·pines (fĭl'ə-pēnz', fĭl'ə-pēnz')  (click for larger image in new window) A country of eastern Asia consisting of the Philippine Islands, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean southeast of China. Inhabited by Malays and various indigenous groups, the islands were first sighted by Magellan's expedition in 1521 and were colonized by the Spanish after 1565. They came under U.S. control in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. A commonwealth was created in 1935 and full independence achieved in 1946. The islands were occupied by Japan during much of World War II. Political turmoil led to the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos after 1965 and his exile in 1986 following the election of Corazón Aquino. Manila is the capital and the largest city. Population: 91,100,000. Phil'ip·pine' adj. |
Republic in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising over seven thousand islands. Its capital and largest city is Manila.
Note: The Spanish held control of the islands until 1898, when they were transferred to the United States after the Spanish-American War.
Note: Named for Philip II, king of Spain during the sixteenth century.
Note: Occupied by the Japanese during World War II, the islands were liberated by Allied troops under General Douglas MacArthur.
Note: Although Philippine independence had long been an important political issue, the country did not gain full independence until 1946.
Note: The country was under the virtual dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos from 1965 until 1986, when he was forced into exile in the United States.
Note: It continues to be plagued by allegations of corruption in high places and by a Muslim insurgency.
