Philippines (Republic of the Philippines)

Philippines Republic of the Philippines
Status	Independent State
Social and Moral Index	78th best
Capital	Manila
Land Area	298 170km21
Location	Asia
Population	106.7m2
Life Expectancy	69.27yrs (2017)3
GNI	$8 920 (2017)4
ISO3166-1 Codes	PH, PHL, 6085
Internet Domain	.ph6
Currency	Peso (PHP)7
Telephone	+638

1. Overview
2. Philippines National and Social Development
3. Philippines's Demographics and Migration
4. Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance
5. Philippines's Health
6. Philippines's Responsibility Towards The Environment
7. Philippines's Modernity and Learning
8. Philippines's Culture, Peace and Inequality
9. Religion and Beliefs
10. Links

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1. Overview

#china #japan

“The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 20-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis, expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups, some of which are on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and ongoing peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New People's Army insurgency also operates through much of the country. The Philippines faces increased tension with China over disputed territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea.”

CIA's The World Factbook (2013)₉

“The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smouldering volcanoes, fuzzy water buffaloes and smiling, happy-go-lucky people. Just when you thought you had Asia figured out, you get to the Philippines. Instead of monks you have priests; instead of túk-túk you have tricycles; instead of pho you have adobo. At first glance the Philippines will disarm you more than charm you, but peel back the country´s skin and there are treasures to be found aplenty. For starters, you can swim with whale sharks, scale volcanoes, explore desert islands, gawk at ancient emerald-green rice terraces, submerge at world-class dive sites and venture into rainforests to visit remote hill tribes.Beyond its obvious physical assets, the Philippines possesses a quirky streak that takes a bit longer to appreciate. There are secret potions and healing lotions, guys named Bong and girls named Bing, grinning hustlers, deafening cock farms, wheezing bangkas (outrigger boats), crooked politicians, fuzzy carabao (water buffalo), graffiti-splashed jeepneys and cheap beer to enjoy as you take it all in.”

"The World" by Lonely Planet (2014)₁₀

2. Philippines National and Social Development

#economics #human_development #wealth

UN HDI (2021)11
Pos.		Higher is better Value11
1	Switzerland	0.962
2	Norway	0.961
3	Iceland	0.959
	...
113=	Lebanon	0.706
114	Indonesia	0.705
115	Vietnam	0.703
116	Philippines	0.699
117	Botswana	0.693
118=	Bolivia	0.692
118=	Kyrgyzstan	0.692
120	Venezuela	0.691
	Asia Avg	0.75
	World Avg	0.72
q=191.

Gross National Income Per-Capita (2021)11
Pos.		Higher is better PPP $11
1	Liechtenstein	$146 830
2	Singapore	$90 919
3	Qatar	$87 134
	...
111	Jordan	$9 924
112	Lebanon	$9 526
113	Bhutan	$9 438
114	Philippines	$8 920
115	Jamaica	$8 834
116	Guatemala	$8 723
117	Namibia	$8 634
118	El Salvador	$8 296
	Asia Avg	$22 215
	World Avg	$20 136
q=193.

Social & Moral Development Index12
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank12
1	Denmark	27.0
2	Norway	29.9
3	Sweden	31.8
	...
75	Bahamas	81.6
76	St Vincent & Grenadines	81.6
77	Antigua & Barbuda	82.3
78	Philippines	82.5
79	Colombia	82.7
80	China	82.8
81	Vietnam	82.9
82	St Kitts & Nevis	83.0
	Asia Avg	92.0
	World Avg	88.6
q=199.

The United Nations produces an annual Human Development Report which includes the Human Development Index. The factors taken into account include life expectancy, education and schooling and Gross National Income (GNI) amongst many others..

The Social and Moral Development Index concentrates on moral issues and human rights, violence, public health, equality, tolerance, freedom and effectiveness in climate change mitigation and environmentalism, and on some technological issues. A country scores higher for achieving well in those areas, and for sustaining that achievement in the long term. Those countries towards the top of this index can truly said to be setting good examples and leading humankind onwards into a bright, humane, and free future. See: Which are the Best Countries in the World? The Social and Moral Development Index.

3. Philippines's Demographics and Migration

#birth_control #demographics #fertility #health #immigration #life_expectancy #longevity #migration #overpopulation #philippines #population #yemen

Population:

The Philippines's population is predicted to rise to 126.32 million by 2030. These millions of extra people will all need space to live, food to eat, energy to consume, and will increase the burden on the planet's resources. This country has a fertility rate of 2.73. The fertility rate is, in simple terms, the average amount of children that each woman has. The higher the figure, the quicker the population will grow, although, to calculate the rate you also need to take into account morbidity - the rate at which people die. If people live healthy and long lives and morbidity is low, then, 2.0 approximates to the replacement rate (two new children for each set of parents who die), which would keep the population stable. If all countries had such a fertility rate, population growth would end. The actual replacement rate in most developed countries is around 2.1. The highest fertility rate ever detected in a single year was in Yemen in 1985, at 8.86.₁₃

The Roman Catholic Church is the most notable, powerful and active organisation that lobbies against birth-control wherever it can, internationally. Thankfully Most Catholics routinely ignore the Church on this issue, especially in educated and developed countries, but there are still plenty of fast-growing countries where the Catholic Church is still prospering the old-fashioned way. It took the government of the Philippines 13 years to force through legislation to allow government-funded contraception and for sex education in schools because of the strength of the opposition of the Catholic Church there - in a country where 11 women die of pregnancy-related problems every day. The Catholic Church "ferociously" opposed it, warning of moral and social collapse, the destruction of family life, and divine wrath, if it was passed. The bill is considered "a major step toward reducing maternal deaths and promoting family planning in the impoverished country, which has one of Asia's fastest-growing populations. [...] The United Nations said early this year that the bill would help reduce an alarming number of pregnancy-related deaths, prevent life-threatening abortions and slow the spread of AIDS"₁₄.

Population2
Pos.		2018 Population2
1	China	1.4b
2	India	1.4b
3	USA	327.1m
	...
10	Japan	127.2m
11	Mexico	126.2m
12	Ethiopia	109.2m
13	Philippines	106.7m
14	Egypt	98.4m
15	Vietnam	95.5m
16	Congo, DR	84.1m
17	Germany	83.1m
	World Avg	39.0m
q=195.

Life Expectancy Higher is better11
Pos.		2021 Years11
1	Monaco	85.9
2	Hong Kong	85.5
3	Japan	84.8
	...
124	Russia	69.4
125	Azerbaijan	69.4
126	Kazakhstan	69.4
127	Philippines	69.3
128	Turkmenistan	69.3
129	Guatemala	69.2
130	Moldova	68.8
131	Nepal	68.4
	World Avg	71.28
q=195.

Fertility Rate 2.0 is best15
Pos.		202215
1	US Virgin Islands	2.00
2	Ecuador	2.00
3	Nepal	2.01
	...
123=	Curaço	1.30
123=	Bermuda	1.30
125	Syria	2.70
126	Philippines	2.73
127	Lithuania	1.27
128	Ukraine	1.27
129	Poland	1.26
130	Japan	1.26
	World Avg	2.47
q=208.

Old-Age Dependency Ratio Lower is better16
Pos.		2016 Per 10016
1	Uganda	04.3
2	Mali	04.5
3=	Chad	04.7
	...
67	Haiti	09.6
68	Vanuatu	09.9
69	Cape Verde	10.0
70	Philippines	10.3
71	Cambodia	10.4
72=	Egypt	10.5
72=	Libya	10.5
72=	S. Africa	10.5
	World Avg	18.3
q=185.

• The Population of the Earth
• Abortion, Birth Control and Contraception

Migration:

Immigrants17
Pos.		2017 %17
1	UAE	88.4%
2	Kuwait	75.5%
3	Qatar	65.2%
	...
184	Peru	0.3%
185	Colombia	0.3%
186	Morocco	0.3%
187	Philippines	0.2%
188	N. Korea	0.2%
189	Sri Lanka	0.2%
190	Myanmar (Burma)	0.1%
191	Madagascar	0.1%
	World Avg	9.4%
q=195.

Emigrants18
Pos.		2010 %18
1	Dominica	104.8%
2	Palestine	68.4%
3	Samoa	67.3%
	...
116	Hungary	4.6%
117	Colombia	4.6%
118	Sierra Leone	4.6%
119	Philippines	4.6%
120	Egypt	4.4%
121	Germany	4.3%
122	S. Korea	4.3%
123	Belgium	4.2%
	World Avg	11.5%
q=192.

4. Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance

#antisemitism #equality #freedom #gender_equality #human_rights #morals #philippines #philippines_antisemitism #politics #prejudice #tolerance

Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance (2025)19
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank19
1	Sweden	6.1
2	Denmark	8.6
3	Norway	9.0
	...
83	Armenia	78.5
84	St Kitts & Nevis	79.1
85	El Salvador	79.5
86	Philippines	79.6
87	Moldova	80.6
88	Palau	80.7
	Asia Avg	103.00
	World Avg	86.55
q=199.

The Philippines is generally poor at ensuring human rights and freedom compared to the rest of the world. The Philippines comes in the best 20 in terms of its success in fighting anti-semitic prejudice₂₀ (amongst the best in Asia). It does better than average in terms of its nominal commitment to Human Rights₂₁, LGBT equality₂₂ and in its average Freedom in the World rating. The Philippines still has work to do. The Philippines does worse than average for commentary in Human Rights Watch reports₂₃ (still high for Asia), opposing gender inequality₂₄, supporting personal, civil & economic freedoms₂₅, freethought₂₆ (still low for Asia), supporting press freedom₂₇ (still high for Asia) and in eliminating modern slavery₂₈. And finally, it falls into the worst 20 in the rate of gender bias (from 7 indicators)₂₉. Human Rights Watch states starkly that "President Rodrigo Duterte has plunged the Philippines into its worst human rights crisis since the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s"₃₀.

For tables, charts and commentary, see:

• Human Rights and Freedom in Philippines

5. Philippines's Health

#alcohol #birth_control #demographics #health #life_expectancy #longevity #obesity #overpopulation #parenting #philippines #population #smoking #vaccines

Compared to Asia (2025)31
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank31
1=	Japan	44.1
2	Hong Kong	48.2
3	Singapore	49.5
	...
39	Nepal	108.4
40	Cambodia	109.5
41	Jordan	109.8
42	Philippines	116.9
43	Tajikistan	118.2
44	Syria	122.2
45	Timor-Leste (E. Timor)	124.4
46	Pakistan	127.9
47	Laos	135.6
	Asia Avg	80.90
q=50.

Health (2025)31
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank31
1	Monaco	14.3
2	Liechtenstein	30.1
3	Isle of Man	32.1
	...
143	Dominican Rep.	112.7
144	Nicaragua	113.8
145	S. Africa	115.9
146	Philippines	116.9
147	Egypt	117.0
148	Kiribati	117.2
149	Tajikistan	118.2
150	Bolivia	121.9
	World Avg	96.74
q=212.

The countries with the best overall approach to public health, in terms of both public policy and individual lifestyle choices, are Monaco, Liechtenstein and The Isle of Man₃₂. These countries are worth emulating. And, although often through no fault of the average citizen, the worst countries are S. Sudan, Angola and Nigeria₃₂.

21 datasets are used to calculate points for each country, including multiple decades of data on its average life expectancy, its alcohol consumption rate, its fertility rate, its smoking rate, its suicide rate, its food aid and health contributions and WHO compliance, the prevalence of overweight adults, its adolescent birth rate and its immunizations take-up. The regions with the best average results per country are Scandinavia, Europe and The Balkans₃₂, whereas the worst are Africa, Micronesia and Melanesia₃₂.

For more, see:

• "Countries With the Healthiest Cultures and Health Policies" by Vexen Crabtree (2020).

Health:

The Philippines is a pretty unhealthy country. And finally, it does worse than average for its food aid and health contributions and WHO compliance₃₃, its alcohol consumption rate₃₄, its adolescent birth rate₃₅, its fertility rate₁₅, its average life expectancy₁₁, its smoking rate₃₆ and in its immunizations take-up₃₇. The number of overweight adults has increased by 14% over the past 40 years. Life expectancy in the Philippines improved by +6yrs in the 30 years from 1990, less than the global average of +7.9yrs. The Philippines's peak fertility rate was 7.15 in 1960.

Life Expectancy Higher is better11
Pos.		2021 Years11
1	Monaco	85.9
2	Hong Kong	85.5
3	Japan	84.8
	...
124	Russia	69.4
125	Azerbaijan	69.4
126	Kazakhstan	69.4
127	Philippines	69.3
128	Turkmenistan	69.3
129	Guatemala	69.2
130	Moldova	68.8
131	Nepal	68.4
	Asia Avg	73.48
	World Avg	71.28
q=195.

Alcohol Consumption Lower is better34
Pos.		2016 Per Capita34
1	Bangladesh	0.0
2	Kuwait	0.0
3	Libya	0.0
	...
97=	Bosnia & Herzegovina	6.4
97=	Angola	6.4
99	Mexico	6.5
100	Philippines	6.6
101	Cambodia	6.7
102=	Belize	6.8
102=	Sao Tome & Principe	6.8
104	Dominican Rep.	6.9
	Asia Avg	3.9
	World Avg	6.2
q=189.

Fertility Rate 2.0 is best15
Pos.		202215
1	US Virgin Islands	2.00
2	Ecuador	2.00
3	Nepal	2.01
	...
123=	Curaço	1.30
123=	Bermuda	1.30
125	Syria	2.70
126	Philippines	2.73
127	Lithuania	1.27
128	Ukraine	1.27
129	Poland	1.26
130	Japan	1.26
	Asia Avg	2.17
	World Avg	2.47
q=208.

Smoking Rates Lower is better36
Pos.		201436
1	Guinea	15
2	Solomon Islands	26
3	Kiribati	28
	...
135	Iraq	1 227
136	Spain	1 265
137	Malta	1 266
138	Philippines	1 291
139	Indonesia	1 322
140	Libya	1 33338
141	Israel	1 346
142	Argentina	1 359
	Asia Avg	1 035
	World Avg	819
q=182.

Food Aid, Health Contributions & WHO Compliance Lower is better33
Pos.		2017 Rank33
1	Sweden	1
2	Ireland	2
3	Denmark	3
	...
91	Chile	91
92	Tunisia	92
93	Bahrain	93
94	Philippines	94
95	Bosnia & Herzegovina	95
96	Namibia	96
97	Guyana	97
98	Colombia	98
	Asia Avg	64.4
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Overweight Adults Lower is better39
Pos.		2016 %39
1	Vietnam	18.3
2	India	19.7
3	Bangladesh	20.0
	...
28=	Bhutan	27.1
29	Japan	27.2
30	Angola	27.5
31	Philippines	27.6
32=	Sierra Leone	27.7
32=	Tanzania	27.7
34	Zambia	27.8
35=	Togo	28.1
	Asia Avg	44.3
	World Avg	49.0
q=191.

Children's Health:

Adolescent Birth Rate Lower is better35
Pos.		2022 Per 100035
1	Hong Kong	1.6
2	Denmark	1.8
3	S. Korea	2.1
	...
117	Tajikistan	44.9
118	Cambodia	45.7
119	St Vincent & Grenadines	46.5
120	Philippines	48.1
121	Botswana	48.3
122	Cuba	48.9
123	Haiti	51.8
124	Seychelles	52.1
	Asia Avg	25.9
	World Avg	43.8
q=195.

Infant Immunizations 2011-2015 Higher is better37
Pos.		2015 Avg %37
1=	Hungary	99.0
1=	China	99.0
3	Uzbekistan	98.9
	...
161	San Marino	79.3
162	Gabon	78.7
163	Micronesia	78.2
164	Philippines	77.9
165	Sweden	77.8
166	Ivory Coast	76.9
167	Congo, DR	76.5
168	Timor-Leste (E. Timor)	76.5
	Asia Avg	90.5
	World Avg	88.3
q=194.

6. Philippines's Responsibility Towards The Environment

#biodiversity #climate_change #deforestation #energy #environmentalism #food #internationalism #meat #over-exploitation #sustainability #the_environment #veganism #vegetarianism

Compared to Asia (2025)40
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank40
1	Sri Lanka	34.9
2	Nepal	47.9
3	India	49.5
4	Philippines	49.6
5	Japan	57.4
6	Thailand	59.5
7	Vietnam	60.6
8	Indonesia	61.9
9	Jordan	63.1
10	Hong Kong	64.6
11	Cyprus	64.8
12	Bangladesh	69.7
13	Maldives	70.5
	Asia Avg	86.44
q=51.

Responsibility Towards The Environment (2025)40
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank40
1	Sri Lanka	34.9
2	Uruguay	43.2
3	Switzerland	45.0
4	Morocco	46.5
5	Puerto Rico	47.1
6	Burundi	47.8
7	Nepal	47.9
8	India	49.5
9	Philippines	49.6
10	Costa Rica	49.7
11	Denmark	50.4
12	Mali	51.0
	World Avg	84.93
q=199.

All countries' current and historical approach towards the environment is gauged via 21 datasets, including multiple decades of data on its forested percent change 2000-2020, its environmental performance, energy to GDP efficiency, its sign-up rate to major international accords on protecting the environment, the rate of rational beliefs on the environment in the population, reducing annual meat consumption per person and its score on the Green Future Index.

The countries that do the best (Sri Lanka, Uruguay and Switzerland) tend to have avoided the excesses of early industrial countries, and have not yet repeated the same mistakes of environmental destruction - at least, not on the same scale. The regions with the best average results per country are Central America, South America and Scandinavia. The worst are Eritrea, The Vatican City and Timor-Leste (E. Timor), and the worst regions Micronesia, Australasia and Melanesia.

For more, see:

• " Countries With the Best Environmental Records" by Vexen Crabtree (2025).

The Philippines comes 9th-best in the world when it comes to its responsibility towards the environment. This rank is derived from 7 data sets. The Philippines comes in the best 20 in terms of the rate of rational beliefs on the environment in the population₄₁ (amongst the highest in Asia). It does better than average in terms of energy to GDP efficiency₄₂, reducing annual meat consumption per person₄₃, its sign-up rate to major international accords on protecting the environment and in its environmental performance₄₄. The Philippines doesn't do so well in other areas. The Philippines does worse than average in its score on the Green Future Index₄₅ (still good for Asia) and in its forested percent change 2000-2020₄₆.

Forest Area Change 2000-2020 Higher is better46
Pos.		Total46
1	Guernsey	82.6%
2	Bahrain	75.2%
3	Iceland	64.7%
	...
150	St Lucia	-1.1%
151	Papua New Guinea	-1.2%
152	Armenia	-1.3%
153	Philippines	-1.3%
154	British Virgin Islands	-1.4%
155	Cayman Islands	-1.6%
156	Bangladesh	-1.9%
157	US Virgin Islands	-1.9%
	Asia Avg	3.2%
	World Avg	-0.1%
q=234.

Environmental Performance Higher is better44
Pos.		201844
1	Switzerland	87.4
2	France	84.0
3	Denmark	81.6
	...
79	Namibia	58.5
80	Iran	58.2
81	Belize	57.8
82	Philippines	57.7
83	Mongolia	57.5
84=	Serbia	57.5
84=	Chile	57.5
86	Saudi Arabia	57.5
	Asia Avg	54.5
	World Avg	56.4
q=180.

Energy to GDP Efficiency Lower is better42
Pos.		2022 Avg42
1	Rwanda	0.25
2	Chad	0.26
3	Tanzania	0.31
	...
20	Nepal	0.55
21	Burkina Faso	0.55
22	Gambia	0.55
23	Philippines	0.57
24	Cameroon	0.57
25	Ivory Coast	0.57
26	Kenya	0.58
27	Yemen	0.59
	Asia Avg	1.50
	World Avg	1.23
q=165.

International Accords on the Environment Higher is better
Pos.		Total Avg Rate
1	Sweden	83%
2	Canada	82%
3	Norway	81%
	...
77	Guinea	62%
78	Greece	62%
79	Cameroon	62%
80	Philippines	62%
81	Seychelles	62%
82	Tanzania	62%
83	Russia	62%
84	Togo	61%
	Asia Avg	55.4%
	World Avg	57.5%
q=197.

Rational Beliefs on the Environment Higher is better41
Pos.		2011 %41
1	Argentina	78.3%
2	Greece	77.6%
3	Brazil	77.1%
4	Trinidad & Tobago	74.5%
5	Costa Rica	74.2%
6	Cyprus	71.0%
7	Guatemala	70.9%
8	Philippines	70.8%
9	S. Korea	70.7%
10	Colombia	70.3%
11	Bolivia	69.3%
12	Paraguay	68.9%
	Asia Avg	37.9%
	World Avg	39.9%
q=145.

Meat Consumption Lower is better43
Pos.		2021 kg43
1	Congo, DR	03.0
2	Burundi	03.5
3	Bangladesh	04.3
	...
59	Morocco	32.1
60	Tajikistan	32.4
61	Mauritania	32.4
62	Philippines	32.9
63	Burkina Faso	33.3
64	Central African Rep.	34.4
65	Comoros	34.5
66	Venezuela	35.6
	Asia Avg	46.7
	World Avg	52.5
q=185.

Green Future Index Higher is better45
Pos.		2023 Score45
1	Iceland	6.7
2	Finland	6.7
3	Norway	6.4
	...
39=	Romania	4.7
39=	Kenya	4.7
41	New Zealand	4.6
42=	Philippines	4.6
42=	Israel	4.6
42=	Australia	4.6
45	Taiwan	4.5
46=	Mexico	4.5
	Asia Avg	4.3
	World Avg	4.8
q=76.

7. Philippines's Modernity and Learning

#capitalism #charity #corruption #economics #education #extremism #happiness #health #human_development #inequality #intelligence #it_security #life_expectancy #modernity #morals #peace #politics #poverty #religion #religiosity #religious_violence #research #science #secularisation #social_development #technology #terrorism #the_internet

Compared to Asia (2020)47
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank47
1	S. Korea	22.2
2	Japan	24.7
3	Israel	29.5
	...
25	Azerbaijan	78.9
26	Sri Lanka	79.2
27	Lebanon	82.1
28	Philippines	85.1
29	Jordan	86.1
30	India	87.8
31	Oman	89.8
32	Palestine	91.6
33	Mongolia	91.7
	Asia Avg	78.26
q=49.

Modernity & Learning (2020)47
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank47
1	Finland	7.1
2	Belgium	12.9
3	Denmark	13.6
	...
96	Lebanon	82.1
97	Bahamas	83.5
98	Dominica	84.0
99	Philippines	85.1
100	Jordan	86.1
101	St Lucia	86.3
102=	Dominican Rep.	87.1
102=	Panama	87.1
	World Avg	86.31
q=190.

The most modern countries, with the best results from education, the highest levels of research, and with the easiest access to information on the Internet, are Finland, Belgium and Denmark₄₈. The worst countries are Eritrea, S. Sudan and Sierra Leone₄₈. Despite improves in global education, access to tertiary (adult) education is becoming increasingly unequal between the rich haves and the poor have-nots₄₉.

“Education, at all levels and ages, is the single most vital support for equality as well as being a country's most vital economic and social resource. [...] Every successful aspirant to modernisation and economic development, from Japan to South Korea, China to Chile, has got there with a big emphasis on education.”

Bill Emmott (2017)₅₀

15 datasets are used to calculate points for each country, including multiple decades of data on Research and Development, Secondary Education, Length of Schooling, Intellectual Endeavours, Maths, Science & Reading, Religiosity, IQ, the percent of citizens with access to the internet, Freedom On The Internet, IT Security, IPv6 Uptake and digital quality of life. The regions with the best average results per country are Scandinavia, Baltic States and Europe₄₈, whereas the worst are Melanesia, Africa and Micronesia₄₈.

For more, see:

• " Which Countries are Most Modern, With the Best Education and Internet Access?" by Vexen Crabtree (2025).

Modernity and Education:

Research & Development Higher is better
Pos.		2016 % RDP PPP
1	S. Korea	4.2951
2	Israel	4.1151
3	Japan	3.5851
	...
105=	Tajikistan	0.1252
105=	Burundi	0.1253
107	Madagascar	0.1153
108=	Philippines	0.1154
108=	Myanmar (Burma)	0.1155
110	Peru	0.1056
111	Paraguay	0.0957
112=	Congo, DR	0.0858
	Asia Avg	0.75
	World Avg	0.84
q=126.

Secondary Education Higher is better59
Pos.		201859
1=	Luxembourg	100.0%
1=	Estonia	100.0%
1=	Austria	100.0%
	...
69	Spain	75.8%
70	Samoa	74.5%
71	Trinidad & Tobago	73.4%
72	Philippines	73.2%
73	Saudi Arabia	72.8%
74	Andorra	72.3%
75	Panama	72.2%
76	UAE	70.7%
	Asia Avg	66.0%
	World Avg	63.0%
q=169.

Length of Schooling Higher is better60
Pos.		2021 Years60
1	Australia	21.1
2	New Zealand	20.3
3	Greece	20.0
	...
102	Bhutan	13.2
103	Turkmenistan	13.2
104	Kyrgyzstan	13.2
105	Philippines	13.1
106	Armenia	13.1
107	Cameroon	13.1
108	Panama	13.1
109	Suriname	13.0
	Asia Avg	13.5
	World Avg	13.5
q=193.

Intellectual Endeavours Lower is better33
Pos.		2017 Rank33
1	Ukraine	1
2	Czechia	2
3	Hungary	3
	...
143	Mali	143
144	Congo, (Brazzaville)	144
145	Qatar	145
146	Philippines	146
147	Mozambique	147
148	Lesotho	148
149	Venezuela	149
150	Libya	150
	Asia Avg	97.1
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Religiosity Lower is better61
Pos.		2018 %61
1	China	3
2	Estonia	6
3	Czechia	7
	...
94=	Liberia	90
95	Morocco	91
96=	Guinea-Bissau	91
96=	Philippines	91
96=	Zambia	91
99	Afghanistan	92
100=	Burkina Faso	93
100=	Tanzania	93
	Asia Avg	55.8
	World Avg	54.3
q=106.

IQ Higher is better62
Pos.		200662
1=	Hong Kong	108
1=	Singapore	108
3	S. Korea	106
	...
68=	Turkmenistan	87
68=	Uzbekistan	87
70	Kuwait	86
71=	Philippines	86
72	Yemen	85
73=	Trinidad & Tobago	85
73=	Peru	85
73=	Cuba	85
	Asia Avg	90.4
	World Avg	85.6
q=138.

Technology and Information:

Internet Users Higher is better63
Pos.		201663
1	Iceland	100%
2	Faroe Islands	99%
3	Norway	98%
	...
110=	Kenya	45%
110=	Belize	45%
112	Ukraine	44%
113	Philippines	44%
114	Jamaica	43%
115	Ecuador	43%
116	Thailand	43%
117=	Mauritius	43%
	Asia Avg	48.7%
	World Avg	48.1%
q=201.

Freedom On The Internet Lower is better64
Pos.		201264
1	Estonia	10
2	USA	12
3	Germany	15
4	Australia	18
5	Hungary	19
6=	Philippines	23
6=	Italy	23
8	UK	25
9=	S. Africa	26
9=	Argentina	26
11	Ukraine	27
12=	Brazil	27
	Asia Avg	56.6
	World Avg	46.7
q=47.

IT Security Lower is better65
Pos.		201365
1=	Ireland	0.11
1=	Luxembourg	0.11
1=	Belize	0.11
	...
7	Colombia	0.22
8=	S. Africa	0.22
8=	Japan	0.22
10	Philippines	0.24
11	Czechia	0.24
12	Argentina	0.27
13	Hungary	0.27
14	Peru	0.30
	Asia Avg	1.08
	World Avg	0.98

IPv6 Uptake Higher is better66
Pos.		2017 Ratio66
1	Belgium	55.4
2	Germany	41.8
3	Switzerland	35.1
	...
79=	Serbia	0.1
80	Liechtenstein	0.0
81=	Cyprus	0.0
82	Philippines	0.0
83=	Macedonia	0.0
83=	Pakistan	0.0
83=	Paraguay	0.0
83=	Chile	0.0
	Asia Avg	2.11
	World Avg	3.82
q=176.

Digital Quality of Life Higher is better67
Pos.		202467
1	Germany	77.9%
2	Finland	76.9%
3	France	73.9%
	...
54	Peru	49.9%
55	Colombia	49.8%
56	Oman	47.9%
57	Philippines	47.9%
58	Kazakhstan	47.6%
59	Indonesia	47.5%
60	India	47.0%
61	Costa Rica	46.9%
	Asia Avg	46.4%
	World Avg	48.4%
q=121.

8. Philippines's Culture, Peace and Inequality

#capitalism #charitability #charity #corruption #culture #economics #equality #extremism #happiness #health #human_development #inequality #life_expectancy #morals #peace #politics #poverty #religious_violence #social_development #terrorism

Compared to Asia (2020)68
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank68
1	Singapore	20.2
2	Taiwan	37.2
3	Hong Kong	40.5
	...
19	Maldives	75.1
20	Kazakhstan	75.8
21	Vietnam	76.6
22	Philippines	76.8
23	Sri Lanka	79.8
24	China	80.6
25	Kyrgyzstan	81.7
26	Armenia	82.2
27	Bahrain	82.3
	Asia Avg	79.59
q=49.

Culture, Peace & Inequality (2020)68
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank68
1	Denmark	11.2
2	Norway	13.9
3	Netherlands	14.4
	...
73	Kazakhstan	75.8
74	Vietnam	76.6
75	Seychelles	76.7
76	Philippines	76.8
77	Morocco	77.0
78	Fiji	77.4
79	Belarus	77.7
80	Panama	78.4
	World Avg	78.12
q=180.

This is the final pillar of the Social and Moral Development Index; it has 22 datasets, including multiple decades of data on World Giving Index, resisting corruption, overall happiness, Creativity and Culture, Open Trading, Aid and Development, its Global Peace Index rating, Peacekeeping and Security, Refugees and UN Treaties, the impact of terrorism, Inequality in Life Expectancy, Income Inequality (Gini Coefficient) and Multidimensional Poverty.

For more, see:

• "Which are the Countries for International Contributions, Creativity, Peace and Inequality?" by Vexen Crabtree (2025).

National Culture:

World Giving Index Higher is better69
Pos.		2022 %69
1	Indonesia	68.0
2	Kenya	61.0
3	USA	59.0
	...
16=	UK	47.0
16=	Brazil	47.0
16=	UAE	47.0
16=	Philippines	47.0
16=	Argentina	47.0
16=	Poland	47.0
22	Serbia	46.0
23=	Netherlands	46.0
	Asia Avg	37.9
	World Avg	39.6
q=125.

Corruption Higher is better70
Pos.		2022 Points70
1	Denmark	90.0
2=	Finland	87.0
2=	New Zealand	87.0
	...
119	Zambia	33.0
120=	Algeria	33.0
120=	Angola	33.0
120=	Philippines	33.0
123	Kenya	32.0
124=	Dominican Rep.	32.0
124=	Niger	32.0
126	Uzbekistan	31.0
	Asia Avg	39.98
	World Avg	42.98
q=180.

Happiness Higher is better71
Pos.		2024 Score71
1	Finland	7.7
2	Denmark	7.5
3	Iceland	7.5
	...
54	Paraguay	6.2
55	Japan	6.1
56	Bosnia & Herzegovina	6.1
57	Philippines	6.1
58	S. Korea	6.0
59	Bahrain	6.0
60	Portugal	6.0
61	Colombia	6.0
	Asia Avg	5.41
	World Avg	5.58
q=147.

Creativity & Culture Lower is better33
Pos.		2017 Rank33
1	Belgium	1
2	Netherlands	2
3	Estonia	3
	...
55	Macedonia	55
56	Mauritania	56
57	India	57
58	Philippines	58
59	Uruguay	59
60	Samoa	60
61	Montenegro	61
62	Ukraine	62
	Asia Avg	99.0
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Open Trading, Aid & Development Lower is better33
Pos.		2017 Rank33
1	Ireland	1
2	Denmark	2
3	Sweden	3
	...
9	Finland	9
10	Croatia	10
11	Georgia	11
12	Philippines	12
13	Austria	13
14	Germany	14
15	Albania	15
16	Togo	16
	Asia Avg	86.3
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Peace Versus Instability:

Global Peace Index Lower is better72
Pos.		2023 Score72
1	Iceland	1.12
2	Denmark	1.31
3	Ireland	1.31
	...
112	Djibouti	2.20
113	Congo, (Brazzaville)	2.21
114	Mauritania	2.23
115	Philippines	2.23
116	Belarus	2.25
117	Kenya	2.25
118	Mozambique	2.26
119	Saudi Arabia	2.26
	Asia Avg	2.17
	World Avg	2.07
q=163.

Peacekeeping & Security Lower is better33
Pos.		2017 Rank33
1	Samoa	1
2	S. Africa	2
3	Tunisia	3
	...
44	Switzerland	44
45	Bolivia	45
46	Burkina Faso	46
47	Philippines	47
48	UK	48
49	Timor-Leste (E. Timor)	49
50	Ireland	50
51	Norway	51
	Asia Avg	76.0
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Refugees & UN Treaties Lower is better33
Pos.		2017 Rank33
1	Austria	1
2	Germany	2
3	Netherlands	3
	...
58	Croatia	58
59	Bangladesh	59
60	Seychelles	60
61	Philippines	61
62	Indonesia	62
63	Uganda	63
64	Moldova	64
65	Mozambique	65
	Asia Avg	92.2
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Impact of Terrorism Lower is better73
Pos.		2019 Score73
1	Togo	0.00
2	Mongolia	0.00
3	Swaziland	0.00
	...
139	Libya	6.77
140	Egypt	6.79
141	Congo, DR	7.04
142	Philippines	7.14
143	Yemen	7.26
144	India	7.52
145	Somalia	7.80
146	Pakistan	7.89
	Asia Avg	3.60
	World Avg	2.78
q=150.

Economic Inequality and Poverty:

Inequality in Life Expectancy Lower is better74
Pos.		201974
1	Iceland	2.40
2=	Singapore	2.50
2=	Hong Kong	2.50
	...
113	Guatemala	14.60
114=	Fiji	14.90
114=	Trinidad & Tobago	14.90
116	Philippines	15.30
117	Iraq	15.90
118	Micronesia	16.10
119	Tajikistan	16.70
120=	Dominican Rep.	17.00
	Asia Avg	11.80
	World Avg	14.59
q=184.

Income Inequality (Gini Coefficient) Lower is better75
Pos.		2023 %75
1	Slovakia	24.1%76
2	Slovenia	24.3%76
3	Belarus	24.4%77
	...
122	Uruguay	40.6%78
123=	Argentina	40.7%78
123=	Sao Tome & Principe	40.7%79
123=	Philippines	40.7%76
123=	Malaysia	40.7%76
127	Bolivia	40.9%76
128	Haiti	41.1%80
129	USA	41.3%78
	Asia Avg	33.0%
	World Avg	36.5%
q=167.

Multidimensional Poverty Lower is better81
Pos.		2018 Severity81
1	Armenia	.001
2	Ukraine	.001
3	Serbia	.001
	...
30	Vietnam	.019
31	Egypt	.019
32	Colombia	.020
33	Philippines	.024
34	Mexico	.025
35	S. Africa	.025
36	Indonesia	.028
37	Syria	.029
	Asia Avg	.084
	World Avg	.154
q=101.

9. Religion and Beliefs

#belief #buddhism #christianity #god #hinduism #islam #judaism #religion #religiosity #secularisation

Religiosity (2018)61
Pos.		Lower is better %61
1	China	3
2	Estonia	6
3	Czechia	7
	...
91=	Honduras	90
91=	Cameroon	90
91=	Rwanda	90
91=	Liberia	90
95	Morocco	91
96=	Guinea-Bissau	91
96=	Philippines	91
96=	Zambia	91
99	Afghanistan	92
100=	Burkina Faso	93
100=	Tanzania	93
100=	Indonesia	93
103	Mali	94
104=	Pakistan	94
105	Ethiopia	98
106=	Senegal	98
	World Avg	54.3
q=106.

Disbelief In God (2007)82
Pos.		Higher is better %82
1	Vietnam	81
2	Japan	65
3	Sweden	64
	...
122=	Niger	0
122=	Saudi Arabia	0
122=	Rwanda	0
122=	Cameroon	0
122=	Philippines	0
122=	Kuwait	0
122=	Madagascar	0
122=	Nigeria	0
122=	Malawi	0
122=	Chad	0
122=	Nepal	0
122=	Morocco	0
122=	Mauritania	0
122=	Mali	0
122=	Senegal	0
122=	Oman	0
	World Avg	9.9
q=137.

Data from the Pew Forum, a professional polling outfit, states that in 2010 the religious makeup of this country was as follows in the table below₈₃:

Christian	92.6%
Muslim	5.5%
Hindu	0.1%
Buddhist	0.1%
Folk Religion	1.5%
Jewish	0.1%
Unaffiliated	0.1%

The CIA World Factbook has slightly different data, and states: Catholic 82.9% (Roman Catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan 2%), Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)₈₄.

Links:

• A List of All Religions and Belief Systems
• Secularisation Theory: Will Modern Society Reject Religion? What is Secularism?