Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
300,000 |
| Land (km2) |
298,170 |
| Water (km2) |
1,830 |
| Population |
92,681,453 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
311 |
| Capital |
Manila |
| 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% |
| Time |
GMT +8 |
| Climate |
Tropical marine: Monsoon in northeast is
November to April, in southwest May to October. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
The Philippines is a collection of 7,107 islands situated just
north of Malaysia in the South China Sea. The islands are grouped
under three regional heads: Luzon is the largest and most northerly
island and the location of the capital, Manila and Quezon City. The
second is Mindanao and the third group is the Visayas Islands, of
which Cebu is the central island and a prominent tourist
destination, most of the population lives on only eleven of the
islands. Manila is the country's capital with a diverse style of
living from lively and outgoing to subtle and subdued or
traditional to modern. The Philippines offers a range of historic
sights, landscapes, energetic cities and the rich culture of the
Filipino communities.
Government
The Philippines have a president which is elected for a six year
term. The president acts as both head of state and head of
government, whilst also taking the role of commander in chief of
the armed forces. The current president is Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.
Language
Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official);
eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or
Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Electricity
220 volts (110 volts in Baguio) AC, 60Hz. 110 volts is available
in most hotels. Flat and round two- and three-pin plugs are in
use.
Passports/Visa
Passports
Passports are required by all nationals wishing to enter the
Philippines. All passports have to be valid for a minimum of six
months beyond the length of stay unless there is an embassy in the
Philippines for the nationality of the passenger in question.
Visas
Visas are not required if the passenger is only planning on
visiting the country for no more than 21 days and has a
passport which is valid for more than six months. This
excludes nationals of Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania who can
not exceed a stay of thirty days and require a visa to do so.
All nationals must have either a return ticket or a connecting
flight ticket which they are able to prove or present.
Passport/Visa Information
The Philippine Embassy
9a Palace Green
London W8 4QE
United Kingdom
TEL: 0207 937 1600
0207 361
4641
Email: consul@philemb.co.uk
embassy@philemb.co.uk
Airports and Airlines
(Manila) Ninoy Aquino International Airport
(MNL)
- Location: The airport is situated four miles
south of Manila.
- Time: GMT + 8
- Contact: +63 (0)2 877 1109.
- Transfer between the terminals: The airport
has three terminals. 'Jeepneys' (holding about 12 people) operate
to transfer passengers between terminals.
- Transfer to the city: There is a bus
connection, and a metrobus runs from the airport to Metro Manila.
There are also private jeepneys available or taxis with a
Department of Tourism (DOT) accreditation.
- Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis,
Hertz and National, all with desks in the arrival area.
- Facilities: The airport offers several
restaurants, bars and cafes in terminal 1, and there are several
shops and a lost and found luggage and personal belongings
counter.
- Parking: Parking is available.
- Website: www.miaa.gov.ph
Standard of Living
The Philippines is the only English speaking country in Asia,
making it a very popular tourist destination for English speaking
nationals. Filipinos are a very welcoming people particularly to
tourists. The Philippines don't have a high standard of living as
much of the country lives in extreme poverty with very little money
to exist upon. The cost of living in the country is considerably
cheaper than living in western countries but finding jobs for
foreigners is very difficult so anyone planned on staying in the
Philippines for a long period of time must make sure they have
enough money to survive the period of their visit.
Principal commercial centres and towns
| population by city/town 2007 |
|
| Quezon |
2,679,450 |
| Manila |
1,660,714 |
| Caloocan |
1,378,856 |
| Davao |
1,363,337 |
| Cebu |
798,809 |
| Zambonanga |
774,407 |
| Antipolo |
633,971 |
Source: Wikipedia
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