Overview of Philippines

Profile

The Philippines consists of three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, blessed with rich biodiversity and a tropical monsoon climate. It is one of the few Asian nations with English as an official language, and its economy is supported by IT outsourcing and remittances from overseas workers. Historically, after 300 years of Spanish rule and half a century of American governance, it gained independence in 1946. Today, it is a democratic republic with a presidential system and a founding member of ASEAN.

Official name: Republic of the Philippines
Common name: Philippines
Numeric code: 608
Alpha-3 code: PHL
Alpha-2 code: PH
Population: Approximately 110 million (2024)
Population density: Approximately 368 persons/km2
Primary languages: Filipino, English
Major religions: Christianity (predominantly Catholic)
National anthem: Lupang Hinirang
Calling code: +63
Internet TLD: .ph

History

A multi-ethnic nation's journey from Spanish colonization (16th century) through US territory to independence in 1946.

After Magellan arrived in 1521, Spanish governor rule began in 1565, flourishing through Manila Galleon trade while Catholicism took root. It became a US territory following the Spanish-American War of 1898, and through independence movements led by Jose Rizal and others, gained a commonwealth government in 1935. After Japanese occupation during WWII, it recovered sovereignty from the US on July 4, 1946. The 1986 EDSA Revolution ended dictatorship and transitioned to today's democratic system.

Geography & climate

An archipelago of mountainous terrain dotted with volcanoes and limestone karsts, with tropical island coasts surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs. The highest peak is Mount Apo on Mindanao Island (2,954m).

Tropical monsoon to tropical rainforest climate

Area: Asia / 300000 km²
Capital: Manila
Largest city: Quezon City
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Laguna de Bay, Lake Lanao, Lake Taal

Natural resources

Copper, Gold, Nickel, Chromium, Manganese, Coal, Geothermal, Natural gas, Abundant fishing grounds, Tropical hardwood, Bamboo, Coconut, Banana

Politics

Government: Constitutional republic (presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)

GDP (nominal): 3940 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 12100 hundred million USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Filipino, English

Time zone: Philippine Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Bicolano, Waray, Pampangan, Moro, Ifugao, Aeta, Chinese-Filipino

Life expectancy

71.0 years

Literacy rate

96.0%

National sports

Arnis, Basketball, Boxing, Billiards, Badminton