Southeastern Asia > Philippines > People, Geography and History

This information is current as of Thursday, January 8, 2009 - 11:00:13 PHILIPPINES February 13, 2008 This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation and reminds Americans of the risks of travel in the Philippines . This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for the Philippines issued April 27, 2007. U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Philippines should carefully consider the risks to their safety and security while there, including those due to terrorism. While travelers may encounter such threats anywhere in the Philippines , ... Read this Article

Global Cost of Living Rank

Location: Manila
Rank: 543 of 1082 monitored. Click for Detail

CIA Background Information

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. The 20-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts, which prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998, but was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. The Philippine Government faces threats from three terrorist groups on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list, but in 2006 and 2007 scored some major successes in capturing or killing key wanted terrorists. Decades of Muslim insurgency in the southern Philippines have led to a peace accord with one group and an ongoing cease-fire and peace talks with another.

U.S. State Department Description

Country Description: The Philippines is an emerging economy with a democratic system of government, located in Southeast Asia. The archipelago consists of more than 7,000 islands, of which over 800 are inhabited. The major island groupings are Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the center and Mindanao in the south. Tourist facilities are available within population centers and the main tourist areas. English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English. Read the Department of State Background Notes on the Philippines for additional information. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. ... Read this Article

About the People

People Nationality: Noun--Filipino(s). Adjective--Philippine. Population (2008 estimate): 90.5 million. Annual growth rate (2007 estimate): 2.04%. Ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese. Religions (based on 2000 census): Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1%. Languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog), official national language; English, language of government and instruction in education. Education: ... Read this Article

Statistics at a Glance

Location: Philippines is Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam See Map

Capital: name: Manila
geographic coordinates: 14 35 N, 121 00 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Currency (Code): Philippine peso (PHP) ...More

Area: total: 300,000 sq km , land: 298,170 sq km , water: 1,830 sq km ( 1 sq km is approximately 0.4 sq miles or 250 acres)

Area Comparison: slightly larger than Arizona

Elevation Extremes: lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m , highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m (1 meter = 3.28 feet)

Population: 96,061,680 (July 2008 est.)

Unemployment: 7.3% (2007 est.)

Ethnic Groups: Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)

Religion: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Languages: Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

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History

History The History of the Philippines can be divided into four distinct phases: the pre-Spanish period (before 1521); the Spanish period (1521-1898); the American period (1898-1946); and the post-independence period (1946-present). Pre-Spanish Period The first people in the Philippines, the Negritos, are believed to have come to the islands 30,000 years ago ... Read this Article

Geographic Info for Philippines :

Geography Area: 300,000 sq. km. (117,187 sq. mi.). Major cities (2007 estimate): Capital--Manila (pop. 11.55 million in metropolitan area); other cities--Davao City (1.36 million); Cebu City (0.80 million). Terrain: Islands, 65% mountainous, with narrow coastal lowlands. Climate: Tropical, astride typhoon belt. People Nationality: Noun--Filipino(s). Adjective--Philippine. Population (2008 estimate): 90.5 million. Annual growth rate (2007 estimate): 2.04%. Ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese. ... Read this Article

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