Write a 4 page essay on Philippines: Global Challenges of the 21st Century.Download file to see previous pages... The Philippines was occupied by the United States in the early 20h century when the Un

Write a 4 page essay on Philippines: Global Challenges of the 21st Century.

The Philippines was occupied by the United States in the early 20h century when the United States bought the islands from Spain. The country was a battle ground in the Second World War and suffered heavy losses at the hands of Japanese army (Rottmman, 2002). The war crimes and atrocities by the Japanese army during the war are still remembered and bear influence on the culture of the country. After the independence Philippines faced serious problems as the country had to rebuild significantly after the war. The country also went through turbulent political situations with coups and marshal laws after its independence. In 1986, after more than a decade democracy returned in the Philippines and some economic growth was experienced (Gargan, 1997). The country is compromised of many islands and therefore the country’s international relations are based on trade relations with other countries. With an export-oriented economy, the country attempts to keep peaceful relations with its neighbors now, although it has previously experienced tensions with neighbors. The country is also mineral rich with significant gold and copper deposits although they go largely untapped (Greenlees, 2008). The geographic influence of the country in the region is strong due to its growing economy. The current economic system of the country is based on international trade. The country is currently treading on the paths of industrialization and there is a transition from agriculture to manufacturing sector (Balisacan &amp. Hill, 2003)....

The country is currently treading on the paths of industrialization and there is a transition from agriculture to manufacturing sector (Balisacan &amp. Hill, 2003). The cheap labor of the country has given it an edge in many industries like clothing, electronics, and semiconductor. Philippines is yet to have a sophisticated industry like that of Taiwan and South Korea, and therefore the country mainly deals in capital intensive industries. Remittances that come from the 11 million countrymen living in different parts of the world are also a major source of income for the country (US Department of State, 2009). The trade based economic system is influenced by the culture and history of the country. The country is compromised of many Islands and therefore offers great trade opportunities. This was also the reason why Philippines served as an attraction for colonial powers. The trade opportunities that the islands offered were immense. Colonial powers also heavily traded through the islands. The present economic system can be seen as an extension of history and this is how the current economic system is influenced by history. The culture of the country is highly influenced by Spanish and American cultures which make these countries natural trading partners. Philippines is culturally close to these countries and can also offer them capital intensive goods at cheaper rates. Understanding of the cultures of America and Spanish allows the country to produce goods matching the demand of these countries. This is how culture influences the present economic system of the country. Current Political Status Currently the President of the country is Benigno S. Aquino III, who was elected in 2010 (CBC, 2010).