Country guide - Philippines  

 
 

Introduction: 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
Area: 299,679 Sq Km (115,707 Sq Miles)
Population: 84,619,000
Continent: Asia
Density per square mile: 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 & fish.
Industry: Textiles & clothing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining & 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 & floods.
Health Risks: Cholera, hepatitis, malaria & 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 degrees Celsius to 34 degrees Celsius 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 Details

 

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