Philippines
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At a glance
- Region
- South-Eastern Asia
- Capital
- Manila
- Population
- 115.8 million (2024)
- Area
- 342,353 km²
- Languages
- English, Filipino
- Currency
- Philippine peso (PHP)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +63
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Before you go
Overview
The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia. It contains approximately 7,641 islands but classified into three main geographic sections from north to south which are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The country is widely known for its beautiful beaches and variety of sweet fruits.
The Philippines recorded a population of 106.7 million in 2018 and it covers an area of 300,000 km2.
The capital city is Manila and the largest populated city is Quezon City located in the largest island Luzon. Manila has a beautiful bay and a good port used for trade. Quezon City has an art of former president Manuel L Quezon at the centre of the city; it also has Ninoy Aquino Parks and World Peace Bell Monument and a botanical garden.
Villagers tending a rice field in the Philippines.
History
The country was named after King Philip II of Spain.
It was occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War but was invaded by the US. The islands became a republic after gaining full independence in 1946.
Food & culture
Its culture is influenced by the US and Spanish mainly on religious practices, food, clothing, dance and festivals.
The country’s main crops include rice, sugarcane, corn, bananas, pineapple, coffee, tobacco, coconut and bananas.
The popular dishes in the country include adobo, alut, karekare, sinigang and lechon.
Wildlife
The main wildlife animals include buffalo, squirrels, lemurs, pangolins, mongooses, civet cats and brown deer.
Festivals & events
Ati-Atihan is the country’s biggest festival conducted in the third Sunday of January.
Sinulog Festival is a cultural and religious festival held at Cebu City.
Dinagyang festival is held in Iloilo city on the fourth Sunday of January.
Things to see
Manila maintains the historical architecture like the walled city at the centre of Manila, San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago as well as modern architecture of skyscrapers.
Manila also has an Ocean Park; Oceanarium which world-class marine park.
The National Museum of the Philippines, National Museum of Anthropology and Metropolitan Museum of Manila houses the country’s history, art and cultural heritage.
The Philippines is known for its chocolate hills at Bohol province. There are approximately 1,260 hills at that region.
Fishing boat at sunset, Boracay Island.
Interesting facts
The country is the third-largest producer of pineapples in the world. The Del Monte Philippines Inc belongs to the country.
The official languages are Filipino and English.
The predominant religion is Catholicism.
Neighbours
Philippines has no land borders with other countries.
