Country Guide • Philippines
The Philippines comprises of 7100 islands. The islands are located along the south eastern rim of Asia. It is bound by the Philippines Sea to the east, the South China and Sulu Seas to the west and the Celebes Sea to the south. The country's major islands include Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Palawan, Mindoro, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Leyte, Masbate and Bohol. Except for the two large islands of Luzon and Mindanao, the other islands are crests of submerged mountain ranges that contain over 47 volcanoes, of which around 12 are still active.
Official Name | Republic of the Philippines |
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Area | 299,679km² (115,707mile²) |
Population | 84,619,000 |
Continent | Asia |
Population per mile² | 731 |
Capital City | Manila |
Religions | 84% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant. 5% Muslims, 1% Buddhists |
Language | There are two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English, also eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocan, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense |
Government | Republic |
Currency | Peso |
GDP | $356 billion |
GDP per Head | $4,200 |
Natural Resources | Timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper |
Land Use | Arable Land 18.45% |
Agriculture | Coconuts, corn, rice, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, pork, beef and fish |
Industry | Textiles and clothing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining and fishing |
Tourism | The Philippines offer the attractions of sunbathing, swimming and diving through its coral gardens and spectacular marine life. Luzon is the largest and most northerly of the main islands. Zamboanga City, considered by some as the most romantic place in the Philippines is a favourite resort amongst tourists. The city is noted for its seashells, unspoiled tropical scenery and magnificent flowers |
Natural Hazards | Typhoons - around 15 per year, cyclonic storms - around 5-6 per year, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and floods |
Health Risks | Cholera, hepatitis, malaria and rabies |
Climate | The Philippines has a tropical climate with a dry season from April - June and a rainy season from June - October with the hottest months being April and May. Average annual rainfall in Manila is 82 inches while average temperature ranges are from 21°C to 34°C all year |
Time | GMT/UTC+8 hours |
National Days | June 12 Independence Day, August 31 National Heroes’ Day |
Visas | British and most other nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 21 days, while a tourist visa from the nearest Philippine Embassy will allow an initial 59 day stay. These periods may be extended, before they expire and for a fee, at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. Entry to the Philippines may be refused to anyone carrying a passport of less than six months validity or without and onward or return air ticket |
British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
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