Republic of the Philippines

More than 7,000 islands make up the Philippines, but the bulk of its fast-growing
population lives on just 11 of them. The combined length of all its beaches make for one
of the world's longest coastlines, and the many islands and many waves of immigration
make for considerable cultural diversity.

Much of the country is mountainous and prone to earthquakes and eruptions from
around 20 active volcanoes. It is often buffeted by typhoons and other storms.

The Philippines - a Spanish colony for more than three centuries and named after a 16th
century Spanish king - was taken over by the US in the early 20th century after a
protracted rebellion against rule from Madrid.

Spanish and US influences remain strong, especially in terms of language, religion and
government. Self-rule in 1935 was followed by full independence in 1946 under a US-
style constitution.
 Cities
With more than 7,000 islands and a population around 100 million, the Philippine
archipelago has many cities. Listed below are some of the most important cities for
visitors, some of which are provincial capitals and centers of commerce and finance, as
well as culture and history.

Manila
The national capital, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world - with all
that implies in terms of pollution, crime, urban poverty and traffic jams - with few
parks. However, the smiling, stoical and resourceful people themselves are its saving
grace, rather than the relatively few surviving monuments, historical landmarks and
sights widely scattered around the city and its surrounding metropolitan area of Metro
Manila!

Bacolod
Known as the "City of Smiles" because of the MassKara Festival (Máscara in Spanish)
held annually on 19 October, it is one of the gateways to Negros Island and the home of
the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal.
Cagayan de Oro
known as the "City of Golden Friendship", it is popular for white water rafting and is the
gateway to Northern Mindanao.

Cebu
The "Queen City of the South" was the first Spanish base in the Philippines and is a major
center for commerce, industry, culture and tourism. Metro Cebu is the country's second
largest urban area, after Metro Manila. Consider flying into its graft free and under-used
airport as a more central and pleasant alternative to Manila - regularly nominated as one of
the world's nastiest major airports - if your object is tourism.

Baguio - Luzon
Summer capital because of its cool weather, it boasts well-maintained parks and scenic
areas, as well as being the home of the "Igorot", the indigenous peoples of the Cordilleras.
LEADER: President Rodrigo Duterte

Capital: Manila

Population: 104 million

Area: 300,000 sq km (115,831 sq miles)

Major languages : Filipino, English (both official)

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy : 66 years (men), 73 years (women)

Currency: Philippine peso UN, World Bank

Baguio - Luzon
Cagayan de Oro
Cebu