The Republic of the Philippines is a large country located in Southeast Asia. It consists of a large number of islands located in the area Pacific Ocean between Taiwan and Indonesia.

There is an opinion that the Philippines is lost among the oceans and seas and even a little fabulous “ state of seven thousand islands" By the way, this is not an epithet at all, but a real number. The Philippines occupies 7,107 islands, each of which has its own tourist character and exotic atmosphere. Here, huge skyscrapers coexist with palm groves.

The only negative, perhaps, is the tiring flight. But there's nothing you can do about it.

Capital	Manila
Population	101,833,938 people
Population density	306 people/km²
	Pilipino, English, Spanish
Religion	Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam
Form of government	unitary presidential constitutional republic
	peso, centavo
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity	types of sockets - A, less often - B

Climate and weather

The climate here is monsoonal, tropical, gradually turning into subequatorial in the south. The temperature on the coast is most often +24…+28 °С, and in mountainous areas it is a little cooler. The rainy season in the Philippines begins in May and lasts until November, when the monsoon blows from the southwest. During the remaining months, the dry season is pronounced in the west of Palawan, Lusson and the Visayas. Precipitation on the islands ranges from 1000 to 4000 mm.

Nature

Most of the islands are covered with tropical rainforests with palm trees, rubber trees, banyan trees, apitong trees, Mayapis and lauan trees. You can often find bamboo, orchid and cinnamon in them. At an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level there are bushes and many meadows.

In the Philippines you can find deer, mongoose and even wild boar. There are a lot of birds and various reptiles here. In coastal waters you can find pearl mussels - mollusks that can form pearls.

Attractions

The largest city in the Philippines is Manila. The city is located on Luzon island. It is not only the capital of the state, but also its main economic and cultural center. The city is part of the Greater Manila conurbation, which has a population of 10 million people. It also includes Caloocan, Quezon City and Pasay.

In Manila there are:

• National Museum of the Philippines;
• Museum of Anthropology and Natural History of Santo Tomas;
• Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In the historical center, which is called Intramuros, there are fortifications, houses and churches of the 16th-17th centuries. There is a big one in the city Botanical Garden.

Guides offer tourists excursions not only around Manila, but also to Lake Taal, where air safaris and numerous folklore shows are held.

Nutrition

Perhaps the most popular dish in the Philippine Islands is rice. It is often served as a side dish to the main dish. Here you can also try a variety of seafood.

The interesting thing is that you can choose the seafood you like in the store, buy it and bring it to any cafe where it will be prepared for you. But for this you will need to order some drink in this cafe.

The most unusual dish in the Philippines is " baluot" This is a boiled duck egg with an embryo inside. First, the eggs are kept in special incubators at the right temperatures, and then the seller travels around the city and sells them.

Fresh juices, various wines, coconut milk, local beer made from coconut milk are the most popular drinks on the islands.

Accommodation

Mostly all hotels in the Philippines bungalow type, you can also stay in guesthouses. There are very few multi-storey hotels on the islands. This is due to the fact that the state cares about the preservation of the natural landscape. Recently, world-famous hotels have been appearing on the islands. But the number of stars on them does not always correspond to the level of the service personnel: many of them are very slow.

The standard voltage for the Philippines is 220V, 60Hz. Sockets here come with two (American-style) pins and three. It’s better to ask for an adapter as soon as you arrive at the hotel.

Entertainment and relaxation

The Philippines is known for its picturesque coral reefs and beaches. The best tourist resorts are in the southern part on Cebu Islands, Boracay, Palawan And Bohol. Tourists are offered not only beach holidays, but also more active ones: diving, cruises, surfing.

There are many national parks on the islands. The largest and most interesting places for tourists will be Mount Apo, Mayon, Taal, Kanlaon located on the islands Mindanao And Luzon.

Today the islands offer all types of tourism: extreme, beach, ecological, sports and educational. Political conflicts and the unstable situation in the country have a negative impact on tourism.

Purchases

Shopping in the Philippines offers the opportunity to make healthy and inexpensive purchases. Manila is considered the cheapest city for shopping. Mall of Asia- the largest shopping center in Southeast Asia. This shopping complex occupies four buildings at once, and trams run across its vast territory, transporting customers.

Among the souvenirs, South Sea pearls, dishes made from terracotta, mother-of-pearl, fabric lanterns, shell jewelry, various T-shirts, wooden figurines and clothes made from local chintz are very popular.

In the Philippines, cheap coconut oil is sold everywhere. According to the sellers, it will provide excellent protection against sunburn.

Transport

To travel around the country, it is better to choose domestic flights. Each resort island has its own airport. It is better to book tickets in advance if you plan to fly on holidays, because if you realize it too late, you may not have tickets. You will need to add the price of a fuel surcharge to the ticket price: for international flights - 15 $ , domestic flights - 3-4 $ . Remember that on domestic flights you are allowed to carry no more than 10 kilograms of baggage.

The second convenient option for moving around the islands is ferries. Their prices are much lower than by plane, but the journey takes much longer.

You can travel around the island using an interesting form of transport - “ jeepney" This is a local minibus that is made from a military jeep. Each jeepney is unique and customized depending on the owner's preferences.

Buses are also common in the Philippines. Here, travel on an air-conditioned bus will cost almost twice as much as on a bus without air conditioning.

Taxis in the Philippines are a very cheap form of transport. Don't forget to ask the driver to reset the meter before your trip. If suddenly the meter runs too fast, be sure to draw the taxi driver’s attention to this. Near the airport you will see yellow taxis with an electronic display. They cost more to travel than regular cars.

Connection

Since the Philippines is a country that occupies more than seven thousand islands, mobile communications here are well developed and mobile Internet is also quite accessible.
According to statistics, almost every third Filipino has access to the Internet, and every fourth has his own Facebook account. However, most of the country's traffic goes through browsers for mobile devices, but not everyone has a computer.

Safety

There may be natural hazards in the Philippine Islands. Thus, according to a study by the Brussels Center, the Philippines is the most dangerous country in the world in terms of natural disasters. Earthquakes, typhoons, landslides, and volcanic eruptions have already become familiar to local residents.

In addition to natural disasters, various religious and political conflicts occur on the islands, when marches of demonstrators block streets and traffic stops running. There are even sea pirates here!

If we take tourism in general, the crime rate here is very low, Filipinos are very friendly with foreigners and behave respectfully.

Business climate

The advantage of the Philippines is its openness to any foreign investors. Citizens' savings often depend on foreign funds.

The Philippines is, first of all, an agrarian-industrial country. Agricultural productivity and exports of bananas and pineapples are growing. The textile, electronics, food, chemical, pharmaceutical and woodworking industries are well developed.

The monetary unit of the islands is Philippine Peso.

Real estate

The most interesting real estate sales in the Philippines will be houses and villas that are located on the ocean. Here you can also buy an apartment from a developer company, for example in the capital. It is Manila that is often of interest to buyers, primarily for those who do business in the country or work in a trade office, since Manila is the economic, cultural and political center of the country.

Many investors buy property in the Philippines to rent it out in the future, because property here brings in good rental income. Many foreign pensioners, primarily from European and Asian countries, buy housing here. After all, life here is inexpensive and calm.

Filipinos are actually very shy and slow, so don't be surprised.

Don't forget to take a Russian-English phrasebook with you. Thanks to the country's colonial past, almost everyone here speaks English.

Remember that in the Philippines It's better not to drink tap water and do not brush your teeth with it. It is better to use bottled water.

There are a lot of police on the streets, both in uniform and in civilian clothes, especially in the capital. Therefore, do not be surprised if an ordinary-looking passer-by approaches you and asks for your documents. The police treat tourists very carefully and respectfully.

Visa information

Russian citizens do not require a visa to visit the Philippine Islands, provided that the period of stay in the country does not exceed twenty-one days. When crossing the Philippine border, you will need to present a passport (valid for at least six months at the time of entry), as well as proof of the necessary funds for the trip and return tickets.

Recently, you can also be issued a visa for a period of 59 days of stay. Such a visa will cost $50 + 510 Philippine pesos (about $12).

Moscow Embassy of the Philippines: 121099, Russia, Karmanitsky lane, building 6/8.

Phone: (+7 495) 241-0563.

State in Southeast Asia. Consists of many islands located in the Pacific Ocean between Indonesia and Taiwan. It occupies the Philippine Islands, which are part of the Malay Archipelago. The largest of the more than 7,100 islands belonging to the Philippines are Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Panay, Palawan, Negros, Mindoro, Leyte, Bohol, and Cebu. The length of the Philippine archipelago from north to south is about 2000 km, from west to east - 900 km. The main administrative unit of the Philippines is the province. The Philippines is divided into 80 provinces, grouped into 17 regions. Some so-called "independent" cities are not legally part of the provinces. Provinces are divided into municipalities and incorporated cities. Municipalities are divided into elementary administrative units - barangay communities. The total area of ​​the territory is 299,764 km². Population - 101.83 million people. (estimated as of May 2011, 12th place in the world).

CAPITAL

MANILA

The capital of the Philippines, one of the 16 cities that form the National Capital Region (Metro Manila). It is bordered by the cities of Navotas and Caloocan (to the north), Quezon City (to the northeast), San Juan and Mandaluyong (to the east), Makati (to the southeast) and Pasay (to the south). In the west it is washed by the waters of Manila Bay. With a population of 1,660,714 as of the 2007 census, Manila is the country's second largest city after Quezon. With an area of ​​only 38.55 km², Manila is considered the most populous city in the world. Located on the island of Luzon, at the confluence of the Pasig River and Manila Bay in the South China Sea. The city was founded on June 24, 1571 by Lopez de Legazpi. The oldest district of the city is Intramuros (literally “walled”). IN Throughout history, Manila has experienced many wars, resulting in the destruction of many architectural, historical and cultural monuments. Now Manila is a major cultural center, home to several universities.

LA - TRINIDAD

City and municipality in the Philippines, capital of the province of Benguet. The population is 97,810 people. Administratively, it is divided into 16 barangays. The municipality was included in the Guinness Book of Records because in 2004 the world's largest strawberry pie was baked here. It took more than 3 tons of berries and a thousand eggs to make this unusually large confectionery product. Modern La Trinidad is located 3 kilometers from Baguio City. In the north, its outskirts are adjacent to the lands of the Tublay municipality. Sablan and Itogon are also located next door to it. The city and its surroundings extend among mountainous hills. In ancient times, the area occupied by the modern city was inhabited by the Kankanayi and Ibalois tribes. During the period of Spanish colonization, a military garrison was located in La Trinidad. During World War II, fierce battles were fought in these territories. In the fall of 1945, American military units liberated the city from the Japanese occupiers. Local attractions include the Bell Church, located on the border of the Trinidad and Baguio Valleys, with architectural elements characteristic of pagodas.

SAN FERNANDO

The city is located in the Philippines San Fernando- the administrative center of the Central Luzon region and the province of Pampanga. Its territory extends 67 kilometers from the capital Manila. San Fernando is crossed by numerous roads going in different directions. The city has long been known for its huge lanterns, to which the festival is dedicated. The festive event takes place in San Fernando every December. The city received its name in honor of the patron saint, whose day is celebrated on May 30. The name was given during the reign of King Fernando VII. many banks and investment organizations, 2 large markets and several hotels of various categories, private and municipal secondary schools, hospitals and numerous shops. Modern San Fernando is not only a major transport hub, but also a significant center for the production of sugar and rice. In addition, a number of other companies from various industries, including food, operate here. A considerable part of the income of the city treasury comes from tourism activities. There are several colleges and a university in the city.

LAOAS

The city is located in the northwest of the Philippines Laoag(Laoag City) is the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte. Its territory extends along the northern coast of Luzon. To the west of the city outskirts is the South China Sea. Neighboring Laoag are the municipalities of Paoay, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Vintar, and Bacarra. The city includes 80 barangays. There is an international airport on its territory. The city and its surroundings are dominated by a tropical climate. From May to October there is heavy rainfall. The majority of the population is Ilok. The bulk of the townspeople are parishioners of the Church of Christ and the Aglipayan Church. The city's economy is based on the agricultural sector. Garlic, tobacco, rice and other crops are grown in vast fields. Handicraft production has been developed, in particular the production of clay dishes and wood products. In 1572, the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo landed near the city's outskirts. A few years later, Catholic missionaries built the first church in Laoag.

VIGAN

City Vigan located on the western coast of the Philippine island of Luzon. It is the capital of the island province of Ilocos Sur. The population is just over 9 thousand people. The 6th President of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino, was born here. The city is included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites due to the numerous buildings preserved from Spanish colonial times. Vigan is famous for its cobbled streets and unique architecture, combining elements of traditional Filipino and colonial European styles. Once upon a time, on the territory of present-day Vigan there was a settlement of traders who arrived in the Philippines from the Chinese province of Fujian. They called this place “Bi Gan”, which meant “beautiful coast”. This is where the modern name of the city comes from. Many families with mixed Chinese and Spanish roots still live here.

ILAGAN

A city extends on the island of Luzon in the Philippines Ilagan is the capital of the province of Isabela, occupying an area in the Cagayan Valley region. The settlement on the site of the current city was founded in 1686. Initially it was a small settlement. Ilagan received city status in 1998. Administrative management is carried out by the mayor. The legislative branch is under the control of the Municipal Council. The modern city occupies an area in the central part of the province. Neighboring municipalities are Quirino, Tumauini, Divilacan, San Mariano. City streets extend along the coast of the Cagayan River westward from the mountainous heights of the Sierra Madre. Approximately 397 kilometers separate Ilagan and Manila. A third of the urban area is given over to agricultural land. The same amount was allocated for afforestation. Almost 33% is occupied by residential areas, administrative buildings and commercial establishments. The main cultivated crops include vegetables, rice, fruits and grains. The surrounding areas are occupied by forests.

TUGUEGARAO

On the coast of the Cagayan River, near the place where the waters of the Pinacanauan River Artery flow into it in the Philippines, there is a city Tuguegarao. It is notable for the diverse national composition of the local population, which includes Ilok, Tagalog, Ibanag, Iwatan, Pampangan, Chinese and former Indian residents. The city is part of the province of Cagayan and is its administrative center. The territory of the settlement occupies an area near the southern outskirts of the region in a picturesque valley, which is surrounded by mountainous hills. Approximately 330 kilometers separate the city and the administrative center of the Philippines. On the territory that is now occupied by the modern city, there was previously a village. It was founded by the Spaniards in 1604. In those days it was the center of a large province. The Spaniards first appeared in these places in 1600. At that time, the local population actively traded with the Japanese, Chinese and Indians. Over time, after the arrival of the Dominican monks, Catholicism began to spread in these territories, churches and chapels were built.

MALOLOS

The city is located in Central Luzon in the Philippines Malolos- the administrative center of the province of Bulacan. It includes 51 barangays. The province is known as a major producer and main supplier of pork in the country. On this occasion, the city annually organizes a festival of costumed pigs. They paint their spots, dress them in bright clothes and organize street processions to show them to the residents of Malolos. The modern city lies 45 kilometers from the capital of the Philippines and is one of its main suburbs that border the metropolitan area. The urban area occupies the northeastern coast of Manila Bay. The most widely spoken language among city residents is Tagalog. English is used in office work. After the expulsion of the Spanish colonialists and after the declaration of independence of the country, on September 15, 1898, a congress was held in Malolos, where they developed a constitution for the young republic. It was finally adopted in January 1899. During the American-Philippine War of 1899 - 1901, Malolos was the temporary capital of the Philippine government led by Aguinaldo.

San Fernando

The administrative center of the province of Pampanga and at the same time a region of the Central Luzon region in the Philippines. The city is famous for its giant lanterns and the Giant Lantern Festival held in December. It is figuratively called the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” Population - 221,857 people.

Tarlac

A city in the Philippines, the administrative center of the province of the same name in the Central Luzon region. Located in the central part of the province. The area of ​​the city is 274.66 km².

Batangas

A port city in the province of Batangas in the Philippines. According to the latest census, its population is 295,231 people. The city is the administrative center and largest city of the province of Batangas. Batangas is an important seaport and trade center of the province, which is a sugar-producing region.

Lucena

City in the Philippines on the island. Luzon. Capital of Quezon Province. Lucena is a medium-sized city, highly urbanized. Population - 236,000 inhabitants.

Antipolo

City in the Philippines. The largest city in the Calabarzon region and the seventh largest city in the Philippines; According to the 2007 census, the city's population is 633,971. It is the largest suburb outside the capital region, representing a highly urbanized area.

Boak

Municipality in the province of Marinduque in the Philippines. Administrative center of the province. Population - 48,504 people.

Puerto Princesa

A city in the Philippines, on the island of Palawan, the administrative center of the province of Palawan. According to 2000 data, it has 161,912 inhabitants. Known for its crocodile farms and underground rivers.

Romblon

The administrative center of the province of Romblon in the Philippines, located on the island of the same name. According to the 2000 census, its population is 36,612.

Legazpi

A city in the Philippines, the administrative center of Albay province. Legazpi is named after the Spanish conquistador and conqueror of the Philippine Islands, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, originally from the Spanish city of Legazpi in the Spanish province of Guipuzcoa.

Virak

Municipality (1st class) in the province of Catanduanes in the Philippines. It is the capital of the provincial municipality and the third largest city with an area of ​​188 km². According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 64,554 inhabitants.

San Jose

Class II municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. It is the center of the municipality of Antique and the province of Antique. According to the census, its population in 2000 was 48,261 inhabitants.

Bacolod

A seaside port city on Negros Island in the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. Bacolod is the center of the province and the largest city in the province by population, with 429,076 inhabitants in 2000. In 1970 there were 187,000 inhabitants. Area - 156.1 km². Known as the "City of Smiles".

Iloilo

The capital of the province of Iloilo in the Philippines, on the island. Panay. At the same time, it is the center of the Western Visayas region. Belongs to the so-called category. "independent" cities. This is the core of the region's economy. Population - 424,619 inhabitants.

Roxas

A city on the island of Panay, in the Philippine Islands, the capital of the province of Capiz. Population - 126,352 inhabitants (2000). It has 25,126 houses and 47 barangays. The city is located on the shores of the Hintotolo Strait, at the mouth of the Panay River. Its neighboring municipalities are Panitan, Ivisan, Panay.

Tagbilaran

The administrative center of the province of Bohol in the Philippines. Located in the southwestern part of the island of Bohol opposite the small island of Panglao. The total area is 32.7 km². It occupies 13 km of coastline. It is located 630 km from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and 72 km from the city of Cebu.

Dumaguete

A city in the Philippines in the province of Negros Oriental on Negros Island, the largest city, main port and capital of the province. Population - 102,265 inhabitants (2000). The inhabitants of the city are called Dumagueteños. The city itself received the epithet “City of Good People”.

Cebu

The fourth largest and oldest city in the Philippines. The largest city in the agglomeration of the same name. Located on the eastern shore of Cebu Island, opposite Mactan Island. Large port. Population - 866 thousand inhabitants.

Tacloban

A port city on the island of Leyte in the Philippines, located approximately 360 km southeast of Manila. In the Eastern Visayas region, it is considered the first of the highly urbanized cities. Tacloban is the capital of Leyte province. It is located in Cancabato Bay, on the shores of the San Juanico Strait.

Ipil

Municipality in the Philippines on the island. Mindanao. Capital of the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. Population - 52,481 inhabitants in 2000.

Dipolog

A city in the Philippines on the island of Mindanao. Capital of the province of Northern Zamboanga. Population - 108,080 inhabitants (2007). Population density - 733 people. per sq. km.

Pagadian

City in the Philippines on the island. Mindanao, capital of the province of Zamboanga Sur. The government of not only the province, but also the Zamboanga Peninsula region is located here. Population −161,312 inhabitants (2007). Area - 333.8 sq. km.

Malaybalay

The administrative center of Bukidnon province in the Philippines. The population in 2007 was 144,065 inhabitants. It is called figuratively “City in the Forest”, “Southern Summer Capital of the Philippines”.

Cagayan de Oro

A city in the Philippines, the administrative center of the province of Misamis Oriental. Population - 568,283 people. Located in the south of the Philippines, in the northern part of the island of Mindanao, on the shores of Macajalar Bay.

Kidapawan

A city in the Philippines, the capital of the province of Cotabato. It is a popular tourist destination, especially in summer and from October to December, when thousands of tourists climb Volcano Apo, the country's highest point. Population - 101,205 inhabitants.

Alabelle

A 1st class municipality in the Sarangani region of the Philippines, which is the provincial capital. According to the latest census, its population is 71,872 inhabitants and 12,312 households.

Isabela

The administrative center of Basilan province. The city is located in the northern part of Basilan Island, on the coast. Across the Basilan Strait to the north is Zamboanga City.

Holo

City in the Philippines, on the island. Jolo, in the province of Sulu, is the capital of that province. The city is located on the northwestern side of the island. Population - 87,998 inhabitants. Most of the population are Muslims.

Quezon City

Former capital and most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon. Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that form the Greater Manila-National Capital Region conurbation. The city is named after Manuel Quezon, former President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, who founded the city. Quezon City is not located in the province of Quezon, which was also named after the president. Includes 142 barangays.

Caloocan

A large (as part of the Greater Manila agglomeration) city of the Philippines, an economic, political, cultural center, it is considered one of the millionaire cities, in fact, one of the districts of Greater Manila. Population 1,337,714 people. It is one of the cities with the highest population density in the world.

Davao

A city in the Philippines, the main port of the island of Mindanao. There is an international airport, wood processing and food industries, and abaca production. The population according to 2005 data was 1,725,355 people, making the city the third most populous in the country. The total area of ​​the urban territory is 2444 km² - the highest in the country.

Zamboanga

A city in the Philippines, on the island of Mindanao in the Zamboanga Peninsula region. This is the third of the "certified" cities in the Philippines, that is, it falls into the category of large cities. Area - 1483 km². Population - 774,407 inhabitants.

Taguig

A city in the Philippines, part of the Manila metropolitan area. The population as of 2007 is 613,343 people. Located on the western shore of Laguna de Bay.

Dasmariñas

City in the Philippines. It is part of the province of Cavite. The city is located in the southwestern part of the island of Luzon, approximately 30 kilometers south-southwest of the capital Manila and covers an area of ​​90.1 km².

Paranaque

Philippine city. It is part of the Manila metropolitan area. It is a large shopping center. According to the 2010 census, the population is 588,126.

Las Piñas

City in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. The city is famous throughout the world for its one-of-a-kind Bamboo organ, located in the Church of St. Joseph.

General Santos

A city in the province of South Cotabato, on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. Located on the shores of Sarangani Bay. Population - 529,542 people. (according to the 2007 census).

Makati

A city in the Philippine Capital Region, on the island of Luzon, Philippines. Population - 510,383 people. (2007 census), making Makati the 16th largest city in the country. Makati has been the financial center of the Philippines since the 1950s and one of the largest financial, commercial and economic centers in Asia. The city is home to world-famous research institutes.

Muntinlupa

A city in the Philippines, part of the Manila metropolitan area. The city's population is 452,943 as of 2007. Covers an area of ​​46.70 km². The mayor of the city is Aldrin L. San Pedro. Currently, Muntinlupa is one of the largest commercial centers in the Philippines. One of the city's districts, Ayala Alabang, is considered one of the most prestigious areas for wealthy residents to settle. The city borders the largest lake in the Philippines - Laguna de Bay. The unofficial name of the city is "Emerald City of the Philippines".

San Jose del Monte

City in Bulacan province, Philippines. Population - 439,090 people. (according to 2007 data). It is part of the Manila metropolitan area. It is divided into 59 districts - barangays.

But before you begin to directly study the population of the Philippines, it is important to know in what geographical conditions they live. The state is located on the Pacific Islands, the number of which exceeds seven thousand, which are part of the Malay Archipelago. The country is located in the very southeast of Asia, between the island of Taiwan and Indonesia. The total area of ​​the Philippines is approximately 300 thousand square meters. km.

Most of the Philippine Islands are located in the tropical monsoon climate zone, but the southern part of the country is located in the subequatorial zone. These are the climatic and geographical conditions in which the population of the Philippines lives.

Brief historical sketch

The population as it exists today was formed through a historical process, numerous migrations and cultural influences. Let's take a brief look at the history of the Philippines, especially paying attention to its influence on the transformation of the ethnic make-up of the country.

The first evidence of the settlement of the Philippines dates back to the 5th century AD. Then the so-called Negrito tribes began to live on the islands, inhabiting most of southeast Asia and belonging to the Australoid race. Some of these tribes, such as the Aetas, have survived to this day in the Philippines.

A little later, representatives of the Austronesian people, who today make up the majority of the population of the Philippines, began to penetrate the island from Taiwan. In addition, representatives of Austronesian peoples dominate in Indonesia and in some other island countries of the Pacific basin, as well as in Madagascar. They played a leading role in the ethnogenesis of modern Filipinos.

Also, from the 8th century, Chinese merchants began to penetrate the islands, which marked the beginning of Chinese cultural influence on the region. At this time (until the 17th century), the Philippines were part of various Indo-Malayan maritime states, the metropolis of which was located on the territory of modern Indonesia. This is how Hinduism, Buddhism and Indian culture penetrated into the Philippines. In the 14th century, Arabs first landed on the islands, and Islam began to spread in the country.

In 1521, the first Europeans arrived in the Philippines. These were members of the crew of the first round-the-world expedition in world history, the Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan. At this time, the islands were ruled by virtually independent rajas, who nominally recognized vassalage from the state of Srivijaya, centered on Sumatra.

In 1543, the islands received their modern name from the Spaniards, who named them in honor of King Philip II, then still a prince. In 1565, Miguel Lopez founded the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines, assisted by 400 soldiers. Then the Spaniards conquered almost all the islands. The majority of the population of the Philippines was forced to convert to Catholicism, partially absorb Spanish culture, and switch to the Spanish language. Thus, it became customary to call children by Spanish names. The Captaincy General of the Philippines was incorporated into the Viceroyalty of New Spain, centered in modern Mexico. Transport links have been established between the Philippine city of Manila and the Mexican city of Acapulco.

Only the inhabitants of the southern Philippines remained Muslims, did not recognize the Spanish administration and waged an armed struggle against it, essentially maintaining their independence.

Meanwhile, on the main part of the islands, the Filipino population, although they adopted Catholicism and considered Spanish their native language, began to increasingly and harshly demand independence. Uprisings became a frequent occurrence in the region. By the end of the 19th century, many revolutionary circles appeared that intended to fight to the last.

In 1898, after the Spanish lost the war with the United States, the Europeans were forced to cede the Philippines to the Americans. But this did not suit the Filipinos themselves; they proclaimed a republic and began a new war of liberation, which ended in 1902. The Americans celebrated the victory, although resistance in some regions continued almost until the outbreak of the First World War. The Philippines became a US colony. In 1935 they were granted broad autonomy rights.

During World War II, the Philippines was captured by the Japanese. After its completion, in 1946, the country became independent. The Philippines was given the opportunity to develop independently. Filipino became the official language (based on English. The capital of the country is the city of Manila.

Modern life in the Philippines

However, the independence of the Philippines is overshadowed by constantly renewed fighting between government forces, Maoist and Trotskyist groups, and Muslim separatists in the south of the country. In 1972, the personal dictatorship of Fernando Marcos was established in the state, who was removed from power as a result of the Yellow Revolution of 1986. After this, attempts at armed coups occur periodically to this day.

Nevertheless, the Philippines remains one of the most economically developed countries in the region.

Population

Currently, the total population of the Philippines is almost 103 million. Thus, the country ranks twelfth in the world in terms of the number of people living in it.

The population density of the Philippines is 338 people per 1 sq. km. This is also one of the highest rates in the world.

Ethnic composition

The bulk of the Philippine population belongs to various Austronesian peoples. The share of this component is close to 95%. Among these peoples are the Visayas, Tagalogs, Cebuanos, Warayans, Ilokos, Pangasinans, Bicols and Pampangans.

The Visayas are the most numerous. The number of representatives of this ethnic group reaches 32 million people. Then come the Tagalogs (22 million people). It was the Tagalog language that formed the basis of literary Filipino, which is one of the two official languages. This is primarily due to the fact that this nationality inhabits the central part of the country, where the capital, the city of Manila, is located. The third largest ethnic group is the Iloks (9.5 million people), who live mainly in the north. Their numbers are large in the capital. In the southern Philippines, the Cebuanos are the most numerous.

The rest of the Philippine population is mixed. They include the remaining 5% of the country's inhabitants who are not relatively “pure” Austronesians. Among these groups, the so-called Mestizo have the largest numbers. These are descendants of mixed marriages between representatives of different peoples and races who lived in the Philippines: Americans, Chinese, Spaniards, Filipinos.

A separate ethnic group is made up of the Negritos - descendants of the aborigines who first settled the Philippines.

Languages

As mentioned above, the Philippines has two official languages: English (which dates back to the country's American colony days) and Filipino (based on the local Tagalog language).

The languages ​​of individual ethnic groups are also used in everyday life, some of which have regional status. In addition to the official languages, Ilocano and Wasai are widely spoken in the Philippines. Non-indigenous languages ​​are also quite widespread, namely Chinese, Spanish and Arabic. This is due to cultural expansion, as well as centuries-old colonial dependence on Spain.

Religion

The vast majority of the population of the Philippines professes Catholic Christianity. The proportion of Catholics among all island residents is almost 81%. In addition, there are relatively many Protestants in the country - more than 11.5%. The third largest religious group is Muslims. Islam is practiced by about 5% of the population. Most Muslims are in the south of the country. In addition, there are Buddhist communities in the Philippines. In the most remote regions, traditional beliefs are adhered to.

As you can see, despite the predominance of Catholicism, the Philippines has a rather diverse religious composition of the population.

Population of the capital

The capital of the Philippines is the city of Manila. At the moment, the population of this city is about 1.7 million people. This makes it the second largest populated area in the country. The population density is about 43 thousand people per 1 square kilometer. This indicator makes the capital of the Philippines one of the most densely populated cities on Earth. Moreover, in some areas of the city the population density even exceeds 68 thousand people. per sq. km.

The majority of residents of the capital, as well as in the Philippines as a whole, profess Catholicism (93.5%). About 6% of Manila residents are Protestants of various denominations. The rest of the city's residents are Buddhists and adherents of other religions.

The spoken language in the city is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, but English is widely used in business and education. The Chinese diaspora mainly uses the South Min dialect of Chinese.

Population in other major cities

Now let's look at what the population of the Philippines is like for cities that do not have metropolitan status.

The most populated city in the country is Quezon City. It was founded relatively recently, in 1939. Originally planned as the new capital of the Philippines. However, the city had capital status only from 1948 to 1976. Quezon City is located on the largest island of the Philippines - Luzon. It is located in close proximity to Manila and is also part of the National Capital Region. Quezon City has an even larger population than the capital, with more than 2.7 million people, most of whom are Filipino-speaking Catholics.

Davao is the third most populous city in the Philippines and the largest population center on the island of Mindanao. The population exceeds 1.6 million inhabitants.

The city of Caloocan is located in the Capital Region. It is home to more than 1.3 million inhabitants.

All other cities in the country have a population of less than 1 million inhabitants. Among them the largest are: Cebu (798 thousand inhabitants), Zamboanga (774 thousand inhabitants) and Antipolo (634 thousand inhabitants).

Population by region

The Philippines is divided into 18 regions or districts. The most populated region is CLABARZON, whose name is an abbreviation of its constituent provinces. The population of this region is 12.6 million people.

The second most populous region is the Capital Region, where the country's largest cities are located: Quezon City and Manila. Its population reaches 11.9 million people.

The population of other regions of the country is as follows: Western Visayas - 7.1 million people, Central Visayas - 6.8 million people, Bicol Region - 5.4 million people, Ilocos - 4.7 million people, Davao - 4.5 million people, Northern Mindanao - 4.3 million people, Negros - 4.2 million people, SOKKSKSARHEN - 4.1 million people, Eastern Visayas - 3.9 million people, Zamboanga Peninsula - 3.4 million people ., Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - 3.3 million people, Cagayan Valley - 3.2 million people, MIMAROPA - 2.7 million people, Caraga - 2.4 million people, Cordillera Administrative Region - 1.6 million people

General characteristics of the population

We looked at what the population of the Philippines is like by city and region. As you can see, the majority of the inhabitants of the islands are representatives of Austronesian peoples who speak the Filipino language and profess Catholicism. This is exactly how the population of the Philippines seems to be for the most part. A photo of one of the typical representatives of this country is presented in the article.

However, this country has a large number of national and religious minorities, speaking different languages ​​and professing many religions (Islam, Protestantism, Buddhism, etc.).

The Philippines is much more interesting than you think! It is here that the largest underground river in Puerto Princesa and the smallest active volcano in the world, Taal, are located. How can we not mention the Chocolate Hills of Bohol? There, if you are lucky, you can see the rarest tiny monkeys - the Philippine tarsier. Unfortunately, I was not able to see them.

There is something unusual and mystical in this country. For example, healers. These are people who perform operations without cutting objects - with their hands and without resorting to anesthesia.

And the tradition of the annual voluntary crucifixion before Easter arouses the indignation of the official church. But some believers consider this ritual a tribute to memory and subject themselves to torture voluntarily. “Martyrs” are nailed to the cross with 10-centimeter nails in front of the public.

Comparing the Philippines with other Asian countries that I have visited, I can note the friendliness and hospitality of the local people. In public catering, they will not ask you for a tip, and on the street they will not pester you with offers of various services.

I am sure that when traveling around this small country, everyone will find what they need. The Philippines has:

• Parties, delicious food, plenty of fruit, etc.

The Philippines could become Asia's most popular tourist destination if not for its remote location. The average flight from Moscow takes around 19 hours, so despite the attractiveness of all that the country has to offer, the thought of driving there puts off many travelers. But everything is real.

Visa and border crossing

If your stay in the Philippines does not exceed 30 days, Russian citizens do not need a visa. At border control you must present an identification document (passport) and tickets for the return flight.

If everything is in order with the documents, your passport will be stamped with the date of entry and exit from the country.

What can be imported and exported

Restrictions:

• transportation of funds in foreign currency no more than 10 thousand dollars. If the amount is greater, you must enter the data in the declaration.
• import/export of local currency with a face value of no more than 10 thousand Philippine pesos.

It is prohibited to import:

• narcotic and explosive substances,
• weapon,
• jewelry (personal jewelry without declaration)

Allowed to import:

• up to 400 cigarettes, 2 liters of alcohol.

Allowed to export:

• up to 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of alcoholic drinks.

However, we managed to bring out 3 liters of local rum in our luggage, lucky guys :).

What to consider

Since this is the tropics, if you have any medical conditions, it is worth consulting your doctor. Many doctors recommend the following vaccinations:

• from hepatitis A,
• from typhoid fever,
• from encephalitis.

We didn't do anything, and everything is fine with us. Therefore, it’s up to you to follow these recommendations or just be attentive to the issue of hygiene.

How to get there

Whichever Philippine island you choose, you will first need to get to one of the major cities such as,. There are no direct flights from Russia to the Philippines yet, so you will have to make transfers through the UAE/Qatar/ /Korea/.

However, there is good news. Cebupacificair plans to introduce direct flights from Russia in 2016, but this has not happened yet.

By plane

As I wrote above, there are no direct flights from Russia to the Philippines, so you will have to get there with a transfer. The following airlines operate flights from our country:

• Phillipine Airlines,
• Etihad,
• Cebu Pacific,
• Gulf Air,
• Aeroflot,
• China Eastern,
• Emirates,
• Korean Air,
• Qatar,
• Singapore Airlines,
• Turkish Airlines.

I give preference to companies: Qatar, Etihad. I like the service, the availability of tickets, the accuracy of the schedule, the “soft landing”. There have been no major delays in 5 years of travel.

I will list the most popular air routes:

To Manila:

• Moscow, Saint Petersburg - - ;
• /Saint Petersburg - - ;
• / – – .

The average flight time from Moscow is 19-26 hours, if from St. Petersburg, then +5 hours. Tickets cost from $560 (37 thousand rubles, it’s cheaper to fly from Moscow. But before buying tickets, I recommend that you always monitor the offer market; for this purpose, I use the aviasales, skyscanner aggregator sites or look at the options in the TravelAsk section. Fast, easy and affordable !

I flew first and last on the list. When buying tickets from local carriers, it is sometimes cheaper to take a one-way ticket than a round-trip ticket at once - this is their feature. Therefore, before purchasing, check the company’s website for prices separately for each direction.

By train

Like any other land transport, you cannot get to the Philippines by train :).

By bus

You cannot get to the tropics by bus; this option can only be considered as transport to Moscow/St. Petersburg.

By car

It’s the same story with cars, as with the other types of transport listed above.

By ferry

It is impossible to reach the Philippines using waterways. But in order to move around the country, moving between islands is the most affordable way.

Both passenger and cargo ferries are at your disposal here. The most popular companies are SuperCat and. On their websites you can view flight schedules and book tickets. Prices from 3 dollars.

Tourist regions

Each island of the Philippines is interesting and attractive in its own way, but it is worth highlighting the most popular places:

• – the current capital of the Philippines;
• Cebu is the historical capital of the Philippines;
• Xenon City is a young city in the country;
• Angeles City – the city of “night priestesses”;
• – beach island;
• Mindoro – mountain lakes and waterfalls;
• Siargao – surfing, famous spot Cloud9;
• Bohol - local landmark Chocolate Hills.

I usually book hotels on Booking - hotel prices can be compared in the TravelAsk section. If you want to fully experience the local flavor, you can take a closer look at renting private apartments and apartments.

Manila

Xenon City

It began to be built in 1939, so its history does not yet go back hundreds of years. This city does not have as many historical attractions as others, but there are no slums either.

Here you can look at the Church of Santo Domingo, the Church of Paoay, the Church of Iglesia Ni Cristo, and also visit the Museum of Art. You can also go shopping, walk through green parks (there are many of them in this city!) and even play golf.

Angeles City

As I already said, this is a city of nightlife and “butterflies”. There are many pubs, clubs and there is the opportunity to have an “unforgettable” night with a Filipina.

Prostitution flourishes in other cities, but here the price is more affordable, the average cost of services is $25.

Boracay

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are concentrated here: snow-white sand, clean clear water with a sandy bottom. Such excellent conditions provide the island with a stable flow of tourists who are partial to beach holidays.

The picturesque underwater world: coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish make this place attractive for divers.

Kiting is also popular on this island. Therefore, if you get tired of the usual beach relaxation, there is always an alternative to do something more active (diving, kiting, snorkeling).

Mindoro

The island of Mindoro is famous for its geographical attractions - mountain lakes, waterfalls and a volcano.

Siargao

Well, if you are a crazy surfing lover like me, then you need to go to Siargao. One view of the Cloud9 spot is worth it, it’s impossible to convey in words!!!

Bohol

Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills and Little Longitude Monkeys.

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are more than 1,200 limestone formations concentrated in one place. There is no definite version of the history of their appearance. Some scientists believe that they are of volcanic origin, others claim that they are a dried coral reef. They got their name due to the fact that when the grass on the hills dries out, they acquire a chocolate hue and, immersed in the surrounding greenery, resemble truffles.

Here you can even find a special Center for the Study of Tarsiers. In the reserve you can listen to an interesting course of lectures about their life and hold funny animals in your arms.

For lovers of diving underground, this is a paradise; 1,400 caves gave this island its second name - the Island of Caves. For those who like a more relaxing holiday, Bohol has beaches with coral sand.

Top cities

More than half of the country's population lives in cities, the rest in the provinces. In cities, the architecture of the past is mixed with the architecture of the present, and at the same time there are also slums. Here is a list of cities that, in my opinion, are worth visiting:

The most attractive cities for tourism: , Angeles City. If the first two cities are the real and historical capital of the country, then the latter is popular due to its vibrant nightlife with thriving prostitution.

Islands

I have already written about some popular islands above, but just in case, I will list them again:

• Boracay, famous for its beaches (you can read about how to get there);
• Cebu is a historical heritage of the Philippines (read more about it);
• Bohol with natural wonders, Chocolate Hills;
• Siargao is the surfing mecca of the Philippines (read more).

All the islands of the Philippines amaze with their natural beauty. It is not surprising that many of their attractions are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Leyte

Leyte attracts tourists who prefer a secluded holiday. Of the attractions, there are few historical monuments here - the San Niño Temple in the central city of the island of Taclobon, Ormak Town Hall, and Baluarte Marker. But there are two national parks where you can look at a variety of tropical plants and see interesting birds.

Fans of active recreation will find wonderful diving spots on the island, where there is an opportunity to see whale sharks, and a climb to Mount Lobi, which offers a wonderful view.

You can get to Leyte by plane or ferry from Cebu; transport departs here almost daily.

Sulu

Volcanic and coral origin, these places are most attractive for divers and snorkelers. There is even a Marine Park, which is included in the World Heritage List. This place is home to more than a thousand different representatives of the marine world.

To get to Sulu, you need to fly from Manila to Palawan, and from there take a yacht to the final point.

Palawan

This is where one of the Bond films was filmed. The main attraction of the island is an underground river with many caves. It, together with the adjacent tropical forest, forms part of the national park.

You can get to the island in an hour by plane from Manila.

Mindoro

The beautiful Tamaraw waterfall, climbing Mount Alcon, mountain lakes, hiking in the jungle, drift diving, the Puerto Galera underwater park, the Reef Park - all this will not let you get bored on the beach.

You can get there from the port of Batangas (from Manila to the port by bus - 2 hours) by ferry - 1.5 hours.

Mindanao

This island captivates tourists with its beaches. Black volcanic sand and azure water await you here. This combination simply breaks all the patterns in your head. It is also worth visiting the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park and climbing Apo Volcano.

Planes fly here from Manila, so you can get to the island in 1.5 hours.

Top attractions

Of course, it is worth visiting the sights of the capitals of the Philippines Manila and Cebu. You can read more about the places of worship in Manila in this article, and about Cebu. But besides them, the country has a lot of interesting things!

There is not only something to see in the Philippines, but also something to do:

Weather

The climate in the Philippines is tropical. There are three seasons:

• hot (from March to May, temperature +27-35°C),
• rainy season (June to November, +25–27°C),
• cool (from December to February, +27–30°C).

The best time to visit the country is a cool period or, if you can tolerate the sun and high temperatures, a hot one.

Money

The local currency is the Philippine peso.

It is better to change money immediately at the airport exchange office, since not everywhere they accept dollars as money or make payments at a very low rate.

Good hotels and shopping centers allow payment by plastic cards; it is possible to withdraw funds from the card at an ATM without extortionate exchange rates. But when planning a trip to small islands, take local currency and cash, since not all islands have the option of paying through a terminal, and there may not be ATMs.

Moving around the country

The Philippines resembles a “necklace” consisting of more than 7 thousand different island beads. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to travel from one point of the country to another only by air or water.

The fastest way to travel is, of course, to fly, but not everyone can afford to buy an air ticket. And to some places planes do not fly at all, so the most commonly used method of crossing between the islands is ferries.

Ferry crossings here are very developed; cargo ferries transport not only goods and various products, but also cars, motorcycles, buses - public transport. Therefore, when traveling around the country, I often bought a bus ticket with a crossing.

Aircraft

I have already written about local air carriers above, but just in case, I will list the names of the companies again:

· Cebu Pacific Air (most popular),

· Pal Express (medium),

· Philippine Airlines (expensive),

· Air Asia (the most affordable tickets).

When purchasing an air ticket, carefully read the information about what is included in the price, since you often need to pay extra for baggage and food.

Water transport

These are ferries, boats, barges.

The most popular passenger ferries are SuperCat and Ocean Jet. They operate flights to almost any point in the country, except for the shortest distances; local bank boats are used there. But the ferry crossing is not always cheaper than an air ticket. For example, it is cheaper to take a ticket in advance from Manila than to travel by ferry for a day.

Ground transportation

Buses are an excellent and affordable option for moving around the islands. There are comfortable ones with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and there are also regular open ones - for every taste. Departure from terminals/bus stations according to schedule.

In large cities there are minivans, which are usually located near shopping centers. They run their own routes.

Unusual transport

A jeepney is a super-mega-cool bus with bright colors, usually locals travel on them. Jeepneys on the roads are simply gods: they rush at breakneck speed, fly into oncoming traffic and any vehicle is obliged to let them pass, sometimes the cars can barely pass. The route of these fun buses is usually visible from the side.

Tricycles and tricycles are options for moving a small company over short distances. A tricycle is a motorbike with an attached cabin for 2 people, and a tricycle is just a bicycle with a cabin.

Car and motorcycle rental

You can rent a vehicle in this country without any problems. Another thing is that you need to be mentally prepared for this frantic movement.

On small islands, renting mopeds is practically the only option for comfortable movement, but if you don’t plan to travel often, then the option of riding a moped with locals for money or renting a bicycle will do. Here's a fitness tour for you :).

You can navigate the prices and conditions of car rental.

Connection

To feel comfortable anywhere in the country, it is better to purchase a local SIM card immediately upon arrival at the airport. The average cost of a SIM card with an Internet tariff is $20. The time difference with Moscow is +5 hours.

Current operators: Smart, Talk ‘N Text, Red Mobile, Sun Cellular, Globe, Touch Mobile. Of these, Smart and Globe work everywhere. The average cost of 1 GB of Internet traffic is $7.

Cafes, restaurants, and hotels usually have free Wi-Fi.

Language and communication

The official language is Tagalog (Pilipin). Residents of the country speak Filipino with various dialects; most also speak English well.

In addition to English, there are often residents who speak Spanish and Chinese. To please the locals, you can learn a couple of phrases, for example:

• Mabuhay - hello.
• Salavat - thank you.
• Mazaral - delicious.

Features of mentality

Like many other peoples of tropical countries, Filipinos are slow. Therefore, if you are waiting for a decent amount of time for your order in a cafe/restaurant, it makes sense to remind you of this again.

They are very attentive to Europeans, they are sincerely interested in tourists. If you begin to communicate more closely with the local population, be prepared for all sorts of questions on “indecent topics.”

In general, Filipinos are very active people; they do not like to sit in front of the TV, considering it unhealthy. But in small settlements, a common picture is that men start drinking out of boredom and idleness.

Food and drink

The historical past of the Philippines - 400 years under the influence of various states - has left its mark on the culture. This influence did not bypass the cuisine, so Philippine food is very diverse, a mixture of European and Asian dishes.

So what do indigenous people eat? The basis of the dishes is seafood, and it should always be fresh. The fact is that they often do not undergo heat treatment in dishes; they are simply soaked for 1-1.5 hours in a marinade.

Fresh tuna (kinilow) prepared in this way, marinated in soy sauce with seasonings, is incomparable! Soft tender fillet melts in your mouth. I don't have words to describe it.

Of course, like in other Asian countries, they eat rice here. Both the first and second courses are prepared from it, even desserts are made. In addition to rice, they love Chinese pansit noodles with various vegetables, sauces, and so on. Food is usually cooked over charcoal or an open fire.

Filipinos always have a lot of vegetables and fruits on their tables. They prefer to eat fresh vegetables not in salads, but in slices or whole. They also love meat here: pork, beef, chicken - grilled, baked, marinated.

In traditional cuisine, the use of coconut milk and seasonings (curry, chili, etc.) is very common. But when compared with other Asian countries, the food in the Philippines is less spicy.

Sweets are also popular here! Delicious interesting sponge cakes made from carrots, bananas, mangoes, coconuts and so on. The most exotic local dessert is halo-halo.

It is made from the pulp of the purple ube vegetable, condensed milk, rice flakes and pieces of ice. At first glance, it seems that they couldn’t do without dyes, but in fact everything is absolutely natural and very tasty.

Various snacks are sold on the streets: skewers of chicken and meat, seafood, fried bananas, flatbreads, fish balls and so on.

5 dishes worth trying

• Halo-halo– dessert, which I already wrote about above.
• Seafood skewers in street food.

Shopping

In the major cities of the Philippines there are a sufficient number of diverse shopping centers. Some are simply enormous in size. For example, the Ayala shopping center in Cebu City. You can go there in the morning and walk all day without having time to see everything.

Vacation with children

There are two options here:

• holiday in a hotel with a closed area,
• holiday on the islands.

Anything to add?

Countries:
The largest cities in the Philippines are presented to your attention.

Philippines

State in Southeast Asia. Consists of many islands located in the Pacific Ocean between Indonesia and Taiwan. It occupies the Philippine Islands, which are part of the Malay Archipelago. The largest of the more than 7,100 islands belonging to the Philippines are Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Panay, Palawan, Negros, Mindoro, Leyte, Bohol, and Cebu. The length of the Philippine archipelago from north to south is about 2000 km, from west to east – 900 km. The main administrative unit of the Philippines is the province. The Philippines is divided into 80 provinces, grouped into 17 regions. Some so-called "independent" cities are not legally part of the provinces. Provinces are divided into municipalities and incorporated cities. Municipalities are divided into elementary administrative units - barangay communities. The total area of ​​the territory is 299,764 km². Population – 101.83 million people. (estimated as of May 2011, 12th place in the world).

Capital

Manila

The capital of the Philippines, one of the 16 cities that form the National Capital Region (Metro Manila). It is bordered by the cities of Navotas and Caloocan (to the north), Quezon City (to the northeast), San Juan and Mandaluyong (to the east), Makati (to the southeast) and Pasay (to the south). In the west it is washed by the waters of Manila Bay. With a population of 1,660,714 according to the 2007 census, Manila is the second largest city in the country after Quezon. With an area of ​​only 38.55 km², Manila is considered the most populous city in the world.

Cities

La Trinidad

City and municipality in the Philippines, capital of the province of Benguet. The population is 97,810 people. Administratively, it is divided into 16 barangays. The municipality was included in the Guinness Book of Records because in 2004 the world's largest strawberry pie was baked here.

San Fernando

City in the Philippines on the island. Luzon, capital of the province of La Union. Population: 115,494 inhabitants. Area – 106.88 km². Population density – 1081 people/km².

Laoag

City in the Philippines. Located in the northwest of the Philippines, on the northern coast of the island of Luzon. It is the capital city of the province of Ilocos Norte. To the west of the city lies the South China Sea.

Vigan

The administrative center of the Philippines province of Ilocos Sur. The city covers an area of ​​11 km². Population – 47,246 people. (2007). Population density – 4,295 people/km². The city is located on the western coast of the island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea. Built in different styles, the architecture combines both Spanish and oriental elements.

Ilagan

A city in the Philippines, the capital of the province of Isabela (in the Cagayan Valley region) on the island of Luzon. Population – 131,243 inhabitants (2007). Area – 1,166 sq. km.

Tuguegarao

The capital city of Cagayan province in the Philippines. Population - 129,539 inhabitants. The national composition of the population is diverse, mainly inhabited by Ibanags, Ilocas, Tagalogs, Ivatans, and Pampangans. There are also many Chinese and Indians.

Malolos

An incorporated city in the Philippines, the capital of the province of Bulacan. Administratively, it is divided into 51 barangays. Located 45 km north of the country's capital, Manila. It is one of the main suburbs adjacent to the metropolitan agglomeration. The city is located on the northeastern coast of Manila Bay. Area – 77.25 km²; of which land is 67.25 km².

San Fernando

The administrative center of the province of Pampanga and at the same time a region of the Central Luzon region in the Philippines. The city is famous for its giant lanterns and the Giant Lantern Festival held in December. It is figuratively called the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” Population: 221,857 people.

Tarlac

A city in the Philippines, the administrative center of the province of the same name in the Central Luzon region. Located in the central part of the province. The area of ​​the city is 274.66 km².

Batangas

A port city in the province of Batangas in the Philippines. According to the latest census, its population is 295,231 people. The city is the administrative center and largest city of the province of Batangas. Batangas is an important seaport and trade center of the province, which is a sugar-producing region.

Lucena

City in the Philippines on the island. Luzon. Capital of Quezon Province. Lucena is a medium-sized city, highly urbanized. Population: 236,000 inhabitants.

Antipolo

City in the Philippines. The largest city in the Calabarzon region and the seventh largest city in the Philippines; According to the 2007 census, the city's population is 633,971. It is the largest suburb outside the capital region, representing a highly urbanized area.

Boak

Municipality in the province of Marinduque in the Philippines. Administrative center of the province. Population - 48,504 people.

Puerto Princesa

A city in the Philippines, on the island of Palawan, the administrative center of the province of Palawan. According to 2000 data, it has 161,912 inhabitants. Known for its crocodile farms and underground rivers.

Romblon

The administrative center of the province of Romblon in the Philippines, located on the island of the same name. According to the 2000 census, its population is 36,612.

Legazpi

A city in the Philippines, the administrative center of Albay province. Legazpi is named after the Spanish conquistador and conqueror of the Philippine Islands, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, originally from the Spanish city of Legazpi in the Spanish province of Guipuzcoa.

Virak

Municipality (1st class) in the province of Catanduanes in the Philippines. It is the capital of the provincial municipality and the third largest city with an area of ​​188 km². According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 64,554 inhabitants.

San Jose

Class II municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. It is the center of the municipality of Antique and the province of Antique. According to the census, its population in 2000 was 48,261 inhabitants.

Bacolod

A seaside port city on Negros Island in the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. Bacolod is the center of the province and the largest city in the province by population, with 429,076 inhabitants in 2000. In 1970 there were 187,000 inhabitants. Area – 156.1 km². Known as the "City of Smiles".

Iloilo

The capital of the province of Iloilo in the Philippines, on the island. Panay. At the same time, it is the center of the Western Visayas region. Belongs to the so-called category. "independent" cities. This is the core of the region's economy. Population: 424,619 inhabitants.

Roxas

A city on the island of Panay, in the Philippine Islands, the capital of the province of Capiz. Population – 126,352 inhabitants (2000). It has 25,126 houses and 47 barangays. The city is located on the shores of the Hintotolo Strait, at the mouth of the Panay River. Its neighboring municipalities are Panitan, Ivisan, Panay.

Tagbilaran

The administrative center of the province of Bohol in the Philippines. Located in the southwestern part of the island of Bohol opposite the small island of Panglao. The total area is 32.7 km². It occupies 13 km of coastline. It is located 630 km from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and 72 km from the city of Cebu.

Dumaguete

A city in the Philippines in the province of Negros Oriental on Negros Island, the largest city, main port and capital of the province. Population: 102,265 inhabitants (2000). The inhabitants of the city are called Dumagueteños. The city itself received the epithet “City of Good People”.

Cebu

The fourth largest and oldest city in the Philippines. The largest city in the agglomeration of the same name. Located on the eastern shore of Cebu Island, opposite Mactan Island. Large port. Population – 866 thousand inhabitants.

Tacloban

A port city on the island of Leyte in the Philippines, located approximately 360 km southeast of Manila. In the Eastern Visayas region, it is considered the first of the highly urbanized cities. Tacloban is the capital of Leyte province. It is located in Cancabato Bay, on the shores of the San Juanico Strait.

Ipil

Municipality in the Philippines on the island. Mindanao. Capital of the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. Population - 52,481 inhabitants in 2000.

Dipolog

A city in the Philippines on the island of Mindanao. Capital of the province of Northern Zamboanga. Population: 108,080 inhabitants (2007). Population density – 733 people. per sq. km.

Pagadian

Malaybalay

The administrative center of Bukidnon province in the Philippines. The population in 2007 was 144,065 inhabitants. It is called figuratively “City in the Forest”, “Southern Summer Capital of the Philippines”.

Cagayan de Oro

A city in the Philippines, the administrative center of the province of Misamis Oriental. Population – 568,283 people. Located in the south of the Philippines, in the northern part of the island of Mindanao, on the shores of Macajalar Bay.

Kidapawan

A city in the Philippines, the capital of the province of Cotabato. It is a popular tourist destination, especially in summer and from October to December, when thousands of tourists climb Volcano Apo, the country's highest point. Population: 101,205 inhabitants.

Alabelle

A 1st class municipality in the Sarangani region of the Philippines, which is the provincial capital. According to the latest census, its population is 71,872 inhabitants and 12,312 households.

Isabela

The administrative center of Basilan province. The city is located in the northern part of Basilan Island, on the coast. Across the Basilan Strait to the north is Zamboanga City.

Holo

City in the Philippines, on the island. Jolo, in the province of Sulu, is the capital of that province. The city is located on the northwestern side of the island. Population: 87,998 inhabitants. Most of the population are Muslims.

Quezon City

Former capital and most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon. Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that form the Greater Manila-National Capital Region conurbation. The city is named after Manuel Quezon, former President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, who founded the city. Quezon City is not located in the province of Quezon, which was also named after the president. Includes 142 barangays.

Caloocan

A large (as part of the Greater Manila agglomeration) city of the Philippines, an economic, political, cultural center, it is considered one of the millionaire cities, in fact, one of the districts of Greater Manila. Population 1,337,714 people. It is one of the cities with the highest population density in the world.

Davao

A city in the Philippines, the main port of the island of Mindanao. There is an international airport, wood processing and food industries, and abaca production. The population according to 2005 data was 1,725,355 people, making the city the third most populous in the country. The total area of ​​the urban territory is 2444 km² - the highest figure in the country.

Zamboanga

A city in the Philippines, on the island of Mindanao in the Zamboanga Peninsula region. This is the third of the “certified” cities in the Philippines, that is, it falls into the category of large cities. Area – 1483 km². Population: 774,407 inhabitants.

Taguig

A city in the Philippines, part of the Manila metropolitan area. The population in 2007 was 613,343 people. Located on the western shore of Laguna de Bay.

Dasmariñas

City in the Philippines. It is part of the province of Cavite. The city is located in the southwestern part of the island of Luzon, approximately 30 kilometers south-southwest of the capital Manila and covers an area of ​​90.1 km².

Paranaque

Philippine city. It is part of the Manila metropolitan area. It is a large shopping center. According to the 2010 census, the population is 588,126.

Las Piñas

City in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. The city is famous throughout the world for its one-of-a-kind Bamboo organ, located in the Church of St. Joseph.

General Santos

A city in the province of South Cotabato, on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. Located on the shores of Sarangani Bay. Population – 529,542 people. (according to the 2007 census).

Makati

A city in the Philippine Capital Region, on the island of Luzon, Philippines. Population – 510,383 people. (2007 census), making Makati the 16th largest city in the country. Makati has been the financial center of the Philippines since the 1950s and one of the largest financial, commercial and economic centers in Asia. The city is home to world-famous research institutes.

Muntinlupa

A city in the Philippines, part of the Manila metropolitan area. The city's population is 452,943 as of 2007. Covers an area of ​​46.70 km². The mayor of the city is Aldrin L. San Pedro. Currently, Muntinlupa is one of the largest commercial centers in the Philippines. One of the city's districts, Ayala Alabang, is considered one of the most prestigious areas for wealthy residents to settle. The city borders the largest lake in the Philippines - Laguna de Bay. The unofficial name of the city is “Emerald City of the Philippines.”

San Jose del Monte

City in Bulacan province, Philippines. Population – 439,090 people. (according to 2007 data). It is part of the Manila metropolitan area. It is divided into 59 districts - barangays.