GENERAL INFORMATION

Basic Facts
Geography and location
The Philippines' 7,107 islands stretch 1,839 kilometers from the
northernmost tip of Batanes to the southernmost island of Tawi-Tawi.
Bordered by the South China Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to
the east. the archipelago has its biggest island, Luzon, followed by
Mindanao in the south. The Visayas islands in between are largely
interspersed by small bodies of water. An irregular coastline of 334,539
kms. is dotted with many fine beaches, coves, and natural harbors.

Located off the southeast coast of Asia, the Philippines' capital, Manila,
is a mere hour-and-a-half away by plane from Hong Kong and about 14
hours from the United States and Canada.

People
The warmth and natural hospitality of the nations' 78 million Filipinos is
known throughout the world. The 111 cultural, linguistic and racial
groups endow the Filipino people with varying customs and traditions,
marked by Chinese, American, and Spanish overtones. In spite of their diversity, Filipinos have
basically two dominant traits: a love of family and a strong religious faith.

Type of Government
A Republic form of government with three equal branches -- the Executive, Legislative, and
Judiciary

Head of State
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (term: 2016- 2022)

Land area
About 7,107 islands and islets account for 299,764 square kilometers

Capital
Manila - Population ~ 1.6 Million

Geographic divisions
It has three major island groups: Luzon, the largest island where the capital is located; Visayas,
known for its fine beaches and idyllic coves; Mindanao, where exotic forest make it an irresistible
haven for nature lovers.

Population
89,468,677 (July '06 est.)

Climate
The dry, hot season runs from March to May and the wet, typhoon season from June to October.
November to February is generally cool with fair weather. Average daytime temperature, aside
from mountain areas, is 22.2 C to 3l.6 C with humidity at 77 percent. Click here for today's
weather in the Philippines, as reported by Sky Cable News.

National languages
The national language is Pilipino although there are at least 87 regional dialects. English, widely
spoken and understood, is the language used for most business and legal transactions. Hokkien,
Cantonese, and Mandarin are spoken by older members of the Filipino-Chinese community. Click
here for links to sites about learning Pilipino.

Literacy rate
93.9%

Religion
At least 80 percent of Filipinos belong to the Roman Catholic faith, where many practices and
beliefs are rooted. About 15 percent is Moslem, and these people can be found basically in
Mindanao. The rest of the population is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and
Buddhists.