AsiaMap.net

The Philippines is an archipelagic nation located in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 7,600 islands stretching from the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean. With a total land area of 300,000 square kilometers and a population of approximately 116.8 million people, the Philippines is the world's 12th most populous country. The capital city, Manila, is part of Metro Manila, one of the world's most densely populated urban areas. The three largest island groups are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over 300 years, then a U.S. territory, before gaining independence in 1946, creating a unique cultural blend of Asian and Western influences.

The Philippines' geography is characterized by mountainous terrain, active volcanoes, and extensive coastlines totaling about 36,000 kilometers. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, with numerous volcanoes including Mount Pinatubo and Mayon Volcano, known for its perfect cone shape. The Sierra Madre mountain range runs along Luzon's eastern coast. The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The country experiences distinct wet and dry seasons and is regularly affected by typhoons, averaging 20 per year. The archipelago has rich biodiversity, with many endemic species found in its tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and marine environments. The Puerto Princesa Underground River and the Chocolate Hills are among the country's famous natural attractions.

The Philippines has a developing mixed economy with a GDP per capita of approximately $3,800. The service sector, particularly business process outsourcing (BPO), is the largest contributor to GDP, with the Philippines being one of the world's leading destinations for call centers and IT services. Remittances from the approximately 10 million Filipinos working abroad constitute a major source of foreign exchange. Agriculture remains important, with rice, coconut, sugarcane, and bananas being major crops. The Philippines is the world's largest producer of coconuts. Manufacturing includes electronics, garments, and food processing. Tourism is growing, attracting visitors to beaches, diving sites, and cultural heritage. The country uses the Philippine Peso (PHP) as its currency. Despite economic growth, the Philippines faces challenges including poverty, inequality, and infrastructure deficits.

Filipino culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous, Spanish, American, and Asian influences. Filipino and English are both official languages, making the Philippines one of the largest English-speaking nations in Asia. Over 170 languages are spoken across the islands. The country is predominantly Catholic, a legacy of Spanish colonization, making it Asia's largest Christian nation, though Muslim minorities exist in Mindanao. Filipino culture emphasizes family, hospitality, and community. The cuisine blends Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences, featuring dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon. The Philippines is famous for its festive spirit, with numerous fiestas celebrating patron saints. Traditional arts include weaving, carving, and the kulintang musical ensemble. Filipino popular culture, including music, film, and television, is influential across Southeast Asia. The concept of "bayanihan" (community unity) and "pakikisama" (getting along with others) are core cultural values. Despite regional diversity, Filipinos share strong national pride and resilience in facing natural disasters and challenges.

Major Cities

• Manila - The capital with 1.8 million people (14 million in Metro Manila), the nation's political, economic, and cultural center
• Quezon City - The largest city in Metro Manila with 3 million people, former capital and home to government institutions
• Davao City - Mindanao's largest city with 1.8 million people, covering one of the world's largest city areas by land mass
• Cebu City - The Visayas' main city with 960,000 people, the oldest Spanish settlement and major port in the Philippines
• Zamboanga City - Western Mindanao's major city with 980,000 people, known for its Chavacano Spanish-based creole language

Interesting Facts

• The Philippines consists of over 7,600 islands, making it the world's second-largest archipelago after Indonesia
• It is Asia's only predominantly Catholic country, with over 80% of the population practicing Catholicism
• The Philippines is home to the world's smallest primate, the Philippine tarsier, and the largest eagle, the Philippine eagle
• Filipinos send the world's most text messages, earning the country the nickname "texting capital of the world"
• The country experiences an average of 20 typhoons per year, more than almost any other nation on Earth
• The Philippines is the world's largest supplier of coconuts, producing about 19.5 million metric tons annually