The Philippines is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that consists of more than 7,000 islands. The Southeast Asian archipelago is known for its splendid natural beauty and busy cities. For example, the bustling metropolis of Manila, the country’s economic and political heart, is home to over 10 million people.
About half of the country’s inhabitants, some 58 million Filipinos, live in rural areas. A large part of this population is thus active in the agricultural sector. Plantations with sugar cane, pineapple, coconut and rice can be seen everywhere. In fact, until recently, coconut oil was one of the country’s most important exports.
Unfortunately, the Philippines is regularly hit by earthquakes and typhoons due to its location, unique composition and global warming. This makes the population, more than 23% of whom live below the national poverty line, even more vulnerable. Many Filipinos head abroad, hoping to build a future there.
