The Philippines which is located in Southeast Asia and surrounded by the China Sea to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the east and
the Sea of Celebes to the South. The country is made up of about 7000 Islands, only about 400 are inhabited. 93% of the Philippine Islands
are less than one square mile. Manila, the Capital City is located on Luzon, the largest island. About 90% of the people are living on just eleven islands. The climate is mild and tropical. The average rainfall is about 75 inches and temperatures range from about 78 to 90 degree F. and 77% humidity.
After 30,000 years of pre-historic habitation from Borneo, Sumatra and Malaya, Ferdinand Magellan, an explorer from Spain landed there in 1521. He named
the islands �Las Filipinas� after Prince Philip of Spain. Many years later revolts began against Spain. After about 350 years as a Spanish colony, independence
from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898. This was because of the Spanish American war of 1898 when The U S Fleet defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila
bay and other parts of the Philippines. The U S was now the new colonial master of the Philippines. The Filipinos consider there independence after the Spanish defeat, but that is really not the case as the U S was in control until 1946 when the Philippines was granted independence.
In 1942 General Douglas MacArthur was ordered out of the Philippines by President Roosevelt so he was not captured by the Japanese and proclaimed his
famous words �I shall return�. His promise was kept in 1944 when he returned to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
The Philippines is a good example of mixtures of cultures and races because
of its East meets West history. Indonesia, Malay, Chinese, Spanish and
other Asian blood. Not to forget the tremendous American influence. This unique blend has made the Philippines the diverse country it is today.
is predominantly Christian. Islam is practiced in the southernmost island of Mindanao and only a very small segment of the population
The Philippines is the only English proficient Asian country. Filipino {Tagalog} and English are the official languages in addition to many local dialects..
The people of the Philippines are legendary for their hospitality in Southeast Asia. Visitors from all over the world will experience a warm and friendly
acceptance.
Statistical Information
Land Area: 300,000 sq km
Population: 91,077,287 (July 2007 est.)
Capital City: Manila
Language: Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
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)
Form of Government: republic
Economy: The Philippines was less affected by the Asian financial crisis in