Philippines
|
The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas) is an archipelago in South-East Asia of more than seven thousand islands located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea at the very eastern edge of Asia.
Many wonderful beaches are just part of one of the world's longest coastlines and it takes about three decades to visit and experience every island. Since Spanish colonial times, the country has been Asia's largest Catholic country. Over a hundred ethnic groups, a mixture of foreign influences and a fusion of culture and arts have enhanced the uniqueness of the Filipino identity and the wonder that is the Philippines. Quick facts: Capital: Manila Government: Republic Currency: Philippine peso: ₱ Area total: 300,000km² Water: 1,830km² Land: 298,170km² Population: 101,218,000 (2013 est.) Language: English and Filipino (based on the Tagalog language) are the two official languages. There are about 8 major languages, 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 170 distinct languages. Optional languages: Spanish and Arabic. Religion: Christianity 91% (Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 9%), Islam 5%, Buddhism 3% and other 1%. Electricity: 220V 60Hz (in Baguio 110V) Country code: +63 Internet TLD: .ph Time Zone UTC: +8 Emergencies dial: 117 |