Capital: Manila

Population (Estimated July 2012): 103,775,002

Area: 300,000km² or 115,831mi²

Currency: Piso (₱)

Official Language: Filipino and English

Political Information: Presidential Republic

Official Religion: No Official Religion (but approximately 82.9% of the population Roman Catholic, 9.6% are other Christian, 5% are Muslim, 2.4% have other or unspecified beliefs and 0.1% have no religious beliefs).

Highest Mountain: Mount Apo at 2,954m or 9692ft

GDP Official Exchange Rate (OER is more precise at gauging a countries economic power)

(Estimated 2011): $216.1 billion (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (OER) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): (US$) or (GBP)

GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP is good for gauging living conditions and use of resources but not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States) 

 (Estimated 2011): $389.8 billion (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (PPP) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): $4,100 (US$) or (GBP)

Time Zone (GMT/UTC): +8:00

Wildlife:  

Counties/Provinces/States: 80 provinces and 39 chartered cities
provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
chartered cities: Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caloocan, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Lucena, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, San Juan, Santiago, Tacloban, Taguig, Valenzuela, Zamboanga (2012)

 Leaders: President Benigno S. Aquino III.

 Additional: Gained independence from Spain on the 12^th of June 1898 and then from the U.S. on the 4^th of July 1946.

Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago situated in Southeast Asia, comprising over 7,000 islands. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean and is bordered by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. The country is divided into three main geographical areas: Luzon in the north, Visayas in the central region, and Mindanao in the south.

The Philippines is renowned for its remarkable natural landscapes, including verdant tropical forests, unspoilt beaches, and active volcanoes. The country’s varied geography renders it a favoured destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The climate of the Philippines is tropical and is characterised by two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

The wet season typically occurs from June to November, bringing heavy rainfall and typhoons to the region. The dry season, conversely, occurs from December to May, with sunny and warm weather. The country’s position along the typhoon belt makes it susceptible to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

Despite these challenges, the Philippines’ natural beauty and rich biodiversity continue to attract tourists from across the globe.

Summary

• The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands located in Southeast Asia, with a tropical climate and diverse geography including mountains, rainforests, and coastal plains.
• The history of the Philippines is influenced by Spanish and American colonization, resulting in a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and languages, with a strong emphasis on family and community.
• The Philippines has a mixed economy with agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors, and is known for its production of electronics, textiles, and agricultural products such as rice and coconuts.
• Famous landmarks and tourist attractions in the Philippines include the stunning beaches of Boracay, the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rice terraces of Banaue.
• Traditional Filipino cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences, with popular dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and lechon, as well as sweet treats like halo-halo and bibingka.
• The Philippines is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and natural resources, including the critically endangered Philippine eagle, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, and the fertile soil that supports the country’s agriculture.
• Modern challenges and developments in the Philippines include issues such as poverty, political instability, and environmental concerns, as well as advancements in technology, infrastructure, and tourism.

History and Culture of the Philippines

The history of the Philippines dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 67,000 years ago. The country has been influenced by various cultures and civilizations, including Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the islands and claimed them for Spain.

This period of colonization lasted for over 300 years and had a significant impact on the country’s culture, language, and religion. In 1898, the Philippines declared independence from Spain and later became a colony of the United States until 1946 when it gained full independence. The culture of the Philippines is a blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences.

The country’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its music, dance, art, literature, and cuisine. Traditional Filipino customs such as fiestas, religious festivals, and family gatherings are an integral part of Filipino culture. The Philippines is also known for its vibrant and diverse performing arts scene, with traditional dances such as tinikling and singkil showcasing the country’s unique cultural identity.

Today, the Philippines continues to celebrate its rich history and cultural diversity through various festivals and events that showcase its unique heritage. The history of the Philippines dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 67,000 years ago. The country has been influenced by various cultures and civilizations, including Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences.

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the islands and claimed them for Spain. This period of colonization lasted for over 300 years and had a significant impact on the country’s culture, language, and religion. In 1898, the Philippines declared independence from Spain and later became a colony of the United States until 1946 when it gained full independence.

The culture of the Philippines is a blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences. The country’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its music, dance, art, literature, and cuisine. Traditional Filipino customs such as fiestas, religious festivals, and family gatherings are an integral part of Filipino culture.

The Philippines is also known for its vibrant and diverse performing arts scene, with traditional dances such as tinikling and singkil showcasing the country’s unique cultural identity. Today, the Philippines continues to celebrate its rich history and cultural diversity through various festivals and events that showcase its unique heritage.

Economy and Industry in the Philippines

The economy of the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, driven by a diverse range of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services. Agriculture plays a significant role in the country’s economy, with rice being the staple crop along with other products such as coconut, sugarcane, bananas, and mangoes. The manufacturing sector is also a key contributor to the economy, with products such as electronics, textiles, garments, and processed food being major exports.

In recent years, tourism has emerged as a major driver of economic growth in the Philippines, with millions of visitors flocking to its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and natural attractions. The services sector is a major contributor to the Philippine economy, with industries such as business process outsourcing (BPO), telecommunications, banking, and retail playing a significant role. The BPO industry in particular has experienced rapid growth in recent years, attracting foreign investment and creating thousands of jobs for Filipinos.

Despite these positive developments, poverty remains a significant challenge in the Philippines, with a large portion of the population living below the poverty line. The government has implemented various initiatives to address this issue and promote inclusive growth across all sectors of society. The economy of the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, driven by a diverse range of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services.

Agriculture plays a significant role in the country’s economy, with rice being the staple crop along with other products such as coconut, sugarcane, bananas, and mangoes. The manufacturing sector is also a key contributor to the economy, with products such as electronics, textiles, garments, and processed food being major exports. In recent years, tourism has emerged as a major driver of economic growth in the Philippines, with millions of visitors flocking to its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and natural attractions.

The services sector is a major contributor to the Philippine economy, with industries such as business process outsourcing (BPO), telecommunications, banking, and retail playing a significant role. The BPO industry in particular has experienced rapid growth in recent years, attracting foreign investment and creating thousands of jobs for Filipinos. Despite these positive developments, poverty remains a significant challenge in the Philippines, with a large portion of the population living below the poverty line.

The government has implemented various initiatives to address this issue and promote inclusive growth across all sectors of society.

Famous Landmarks and Tourist Attractions in the Philippines

The Philippines is home to a wealth of famous landmarks and tourist attractions that showcase its rich history and natural beauty. One of the most iconic landmarks in the country is the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao province. These ancient terraces are often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and are a testament to the ingenuity of Filipino ancestors who carved them into the mountains over 2,000 years ago.

Another must-see destination is the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. This well-preserved Spanish colonial district features ancient churches, museums, and cobblestone streets that offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. For nature lovers, Palawan is a paradise with its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.

El Nido and Coron are popular destinations within Palawan that offer breathtaking island-hopping tours and world-class diving opportunities. Meanwhile, Boracay Island is famous for its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife scene. Other notable attractions include the Chocolate Hills in Bohol; Mayon Volcano in Albay; Taal Volcano in Batangas; and Mount Apo in Mindanao – all offering unique experiences for adventure seekers.

The Philippines is home to a wealth of famous landmarks and tourist attractions that showcase its rich history and natural beauty. One of the most iconic landmarks in the country is the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao province. These ancient terraces are often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and are a testament to the ingenuity of Filipino ancestors who carved them into the mountains over 2,000 years ago.

Another must-see destination is the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. This well-preserved Spanish colonial district features ancient churches, museums, and cobblestone streets that offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. For nature lovers, Palawan is a paradise with its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.

El Nido and Coron are popular destinations within Palawan that offer breathtaking island-hopping tours and world-class diving opportunities. Meanwhile, Boracay Island is famous for its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife scene. Other notable attractions include the Chocolate Hills in Bohol; Mayon Volcano in Albay; Taal Volcano in Batangas; and Mount Apo in Mindanao – all offering unique experiences for adventure seekers.

Traditional Filipino Cuisine and Culinary Delights

Filipino cuisine is a reflection of its diverse cultural influences and rich culinary heritage. One of the most iconic dishes in Filipino cuisine is adobo – a savoury stew made with meat (usually chicken or pork), vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Another popular dish is sinigang – a sour soup made with tamarind or other souring agents along with vegetables (such as kangkong or water spinach), seafood or meat (pork or shrimp).

Lechon is another Filipino favourite – a whole roasted pig that is often served during special occasions such as fiestas or celebrations. Filipino cuisine also features an array of delicious street foods such as balut (fertilized duck egg), kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs), fish balls (deep-fried fish paste), and banana cue (deep-fried caramelized banana). For those with a sweet tooth, Filipino desserts such as halo-halo (a shaved ice dessert with mixed fruits), leche flan (caramel custard), bibingka (rice cake), and puto bumbong (purple rice cake) are must-try treats.

In recent years, Filipino cuisine has gained international recognition for its bold flavours and unique combinations. Filipino chefs have been making waves on the global culinary stage by putting their own modern twist on traditional dishes while still staying true to their roots. Filipino cuisine is a reflection of its diverse cultural influences and rich culinary heritage.

One of the most iconic dishes in Filipino cuisine is adobo – a savoury stew made with meat (usually chicken or pork), vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Another popular dish is sinigang – a sour soup made with tamarind or other souring agents along with vegetables (such as kangkong or water spinach), seafood or meat (pork or shrimp). Lechon is another Filipino favourite – a whole roasted pig that is often served during special occasions such as fiestas or celebrations.

Filipino cuisine also features an array of delicious street foods such as balut (fertilized duck egg), kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs), fish balls (deep-fried fish paste), and banana cue (deep-fried caramelized banana). For those with a sweet tooth, Filipino desserts such as halo-halo (a shaved ice dessert with mixed fruits), leche flan (caramel custard), bibingka (rice cake), and puto bumbong (purple rice cake) are must-try treats. In recent years, Filipino cuisine has gained international recognition for its bold flavours and unique combinations.

Filipino chefs have been making waves on the global culinary stage by putting their own modern twist on traditional dishes while still staying true to their roots.

Wildlife and Natural Resources of the Philippines

The Philippines is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife species due to its unique geographical location as an archipelago. Its tropical rainforests are teeming with endemic species such as tarsiers (one of the world’s smallest primates), Philippine eagles (one of the largest eagles in the world), tamaraws (a type of buffalo), and various species of bats and reptiles. The country’s marine biodiversity is equally impressive with colourful coral reefs that are home to an array of marine life including sea turtles, whale sharks (the largest fish in the world), manta rays, clownfish (made famous by Finding Nemo), seahorses, and countless other species.

The natural resources of the Philippines include minerals such as gold, copper, nickel, chromite (a type of iron ore), silver, coal, gypsum (used for construction materials), limestone (used for cement production), marble (used for construction materials), sandstone (used for building facades), clay (used for pottery), silica (used for glass production), petroleum (used for fuel), natural gas (used for energy production), geothermal energy (used for electricity generation), timber (used for construction materials), fish (used for food), shrimp (used for food), crab (used for food), abalone (used for food), seaweed (used for food), coconut (used for food), sugarcane (used for food), banana (used for food), pineapple (used for food), mango (used for food), papaya (used for food), coffee (used for beverages), cacao (used for chocolate production), rubber (used for tires), abaca (used for rope production), bamboo (used for construction materials), rattan (used for furniture production), pearls (used for jewellery production), coral (used for jewellery production), sapphires (used for jewellery production), jade (used for jewellery production), goldsmithing (used for jewellery production). The Philippines’ rich natural resources

FAQs

What is the Philippines?

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, consisting of more than 7,000 islands. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.

What is the capital of the Philippines?

The capital of the Philippines is Manila, which is located on the island of Luzon.

What is the population of the Philippines?

As of 2021, the population of the Philippines is estimated to be around 111 million people, making it the 13th most populous country in the world.

What is the official language of the Philippines?

The official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English. Filipino is based on Tagalog and is the national language, while English is also widely spoken and used in government, business, and education.

What is the currency of the Philippines?

The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso, which is abbreviated as PHP.

What is the climate like in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate, with a hot and humid weather throughout the year. It experiences a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.

What are some popular tourist attractions in the Philippines?

Some popular tourist attractions in the Philippines include the beaches of Boracay and Palawan, the historic city of Vigan, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and the rice terraces of Banaue. The country is also known for its vibrant festivals and diverse marine life for diving and snorkelling.

What are the major industries in the Philippines?

The major industries in the Philippines include agriculture, manufacturing, electronics, tourism, and business process outsourcing (BPO). The country is also rich in natural resources such as copper, gold, and nickel.