Country Guide • Philippines

Flag of 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 NameRepublic of the Philippines
Area299,679km² (115,707mile²)
Population84,619,000
ContinentAsia
Population per mile²731
Capital CityManila
Religions84% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant. 5% Muslims, 1% Buddhists
LanguageThere 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
GovernmentRepublic
CurrencyPeso
GDP$356 billion
GDP per Head$4,200
Natural ResourcesTimber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper
Land UseArable Land 18.45%
AgricultureCoconuts, corn, rice, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, pork, beef and fish
IndustryTextiles and clothing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining and fishing
TourismThe 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 HazardsTyphoons - around 15 per year, cyclonic storms - around 5-6 per year, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and floods
Health RisksCholera, hepatitis, malaria and rabies
ClimateThe 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
TimeGMT/UTC+8 hours
National DaysJune 12 Independence Day, August 31 National Heroes’ Day
VisasBritish 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 EmbassyEmbassy Details

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