<item><hi format=bold>International disputes:</hi> involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai) claimed by China and Taiwan
<item><hi format=bold>Climate:</hi> tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year
<item><hi format=bold>Terrain:</hi> eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west
<item><hi format=bold>Natural resources:</hi> small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos
<item><hi format=bold>Land use:</hi>
<list style=hang>
<item>• <hi format=ital>arable land:</hi> 24%
<item>• <hi format=ital>permanent crops:</hi> 1%
<item>• <hi format=ital>meadows and pastures:</hi> 5%
<item>• <hi format=ital>forest and woodland:</hi> 55%
<item>• <hi format=ital>other:</hi> 15%
</list>
<item><hi format=bold>Irrigated land:</hi> NA sq km
<item><hi format=bold>Environment:</hi>
<list style=hang>
<item>• <hi format=ital>current issues:</hi> water pollution from industrial emissions, untreated sewage; air pollution; contamination of drinking water supplies
<item>• <hi format=ital>natural hazards:</hi> subject to earthquakes and typhoons
<item>• <hi format=ital>international agreements:</hi> signed, but not ratified—Marine Life Conservation