Country explorer: Philippines

The Philippines has experienced considerable economic growth and changes in consumer prices and unemployment, similar to lower-middle-income countries, with a steady increase in GDP per capita, a shift in the distribution of the population across different poverty thresholds, variations in unemployment rates reflecting shifts in labor market conditions, and fluctuating inflation rates indicating changes in the cost of living.

Over the last two decades, the Philippines has exhibited steady population growth amidst fluctuating net migration and fertility rates, while achieving gains in life expectancy that align with general trends observed in lower-middle-income countries.

The Philippines has shown steady progress in ensuring access to electricity and clean cooking fuels for its population, demonstrating a commitment to improving basic living standards, although its advancements in access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation facilities lag behind those of some regional peers.

The Philippines has seen moderate improvements in human development indicators, like increased literacy rates and reduced child mortality, tracking alongside but slightly lagging behind regional peers such as Indonesia and Thailand, and showing a multifaceted approach to enhancing the quality of life.

The Philippines has pursued a mixed approach to environmental and energy challenges, showing a moderate increase in per capita CO₂ emissions, a significant growth in electricity production from renewable sources, a decrease in renewable freshwater resources per capita, and efforts to stabilize forest area after years of decline, indicating progress towards sustainability amidst ongoing environmental pressures.

The Philippines has experienced rapid growth in internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, reflecting a significant digital transformation, albeit with a moderate increase in R&D spending and scientific publication rates, suggesting a burgeoning yet still developing innovation ecosystem compared to its Southeast Asian peers.

The Philippines has undergone societal transformations characterized by modest improvements in gender equality, stable but low international migration, increasing life satisfaction amongst its populace, and a gradually declining age dependency ratio, embodying a blend of challenges and progress that mirrors broader trends in lower-middle-income countries, yet with distinctive strides in happiness and equality.

The Philippines has experienced fluctuations in governance indicators, demonstrating moments of progress in rule of law, reduced corruption perception, and improved political and civil liberties, yet it shares challenges common among lower-middle-income countries, such as persistent corruption and threats to press freedom.