Mineral resources of the nations are nickel, zinc, copper, cobalt, gold, silver, iron, and chromite. The islands have one of the world's greatest stands of commercial timber, a major export. The unit of currency is the peso. There are several problems that the nation faces both domestically and internationally. In the wake of the Asian economical down turn the islands economy has staggered.
Corruption remains a problem with certain government officials.
Sexual abuse of women and children remain a problem, mostly from the illegal sex industry that thrives off the poor economic conditions of the victims. Internationally the Philippines has a long-standing dispute over the Spartly Islands. The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Maylasia claim the islands. None of the above 3. None of the above 6.