Philippines

The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It is made up of about 7,641 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. These islands are grouped into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is the world's twelfth-most-populous country.

The Philippines is surrounded by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. It shares borders with countries like Taiwan, Japan, Palau, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China. The country has many different ethnic groups and a rich culture. Manila is the capital, and Quezon City is the largest city, both located in Metro Manila.

The Philippines has a long history. Its earliest inhabitants were Negritos, followed by many Austronesian peoples. Over time, the people there practiced animism, Hinduism with Buddhist influence, and Islam. Explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the 1500s, beginning Spanish colonization. During this time, Catholicism became the main religion, and Manila became an important center for trade. After a revolution and conflicts, the Philippines gained independence in 1946.

Today, the Philippines is a developing country with a growing economy. It is rich in natural resources and has many different plants and animals. The country is part of groups like ASEAN. However, it faces challenges such as inequality, corruption, and natural disasters. Because it lies near the Pacific Ring of Fire and close to the equator, the Philippines often experiences earthquakes, heavy rains, and strong typhoons. Despite these challenges, the people of the Philippines have shown great strength and resilience.

Etymology

Main article: Names of the Philippines

In 1542, a Spanish explorer named Ruy López de Villalobos named some islands "Felipinas" after a prince who later became King Philip II of Spain. This name, "Las Islas Filipinas," was used for the islands when Spain ruled them.

Later, during a big fight for freedom called the Philippine Revolution, leaders called their country the República Filipina, or Philippine Republic. When America took control, they called the country the Philippine Islands. Over time, the name changed to simply "the Philippines." The official name "Republic of the Philippines" was written into the country's rules in 1935 and has been used ever since.

History

Main article: History of the Philippines

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Philippine history.

Prehistory (pre–900)

Main article: Prehistory of the Philippines

There is evidence that early hominins lived in what is now the Philippines a very long time ago. Bones from Callao Cave show a type of human who lived many years ago. The oldest remains of modern humans are from the Tabon Caves of Palawan. Tabon Man was likely one of the earliest people in the Philippines, part of a group called the Negrito.

The first groups known as Austronesians arrived from Taiwan around 2200 BC and settled in the Batanes Islands and northern Luzon. By 1000 BC, people in the Philippines lived in different types of societies, from small groups to larger communities with leaders.

Early states (900–1565)

Main article: History of the Philippines (900–1565)

The oldest known writing from the Philippines is the Laguna Copperplate Inscription from 900 AD. By the 14th century, big coastal towns grew into trading centers and had connections with other parts of Asia. Trade with China began during the late Tang dynasty and grew during the Song dynasty.

Indian cultural ideas began to spread during the 14th century from the Majapahit Empire. By the 15th century, a belief system called Islam started in the Sulu Archipelago and spread from there.

Different groups formed in the Philippines between the 10th and 16th centuries, such as Maynila, Tondo, Namayan, Pangasinan, Caboloan, Cebu, Butuan, Maguindanao, Lanao, Sulu, and Ma-i. These groups had social classes, with leaders called datus ruling smaller groups called barangays. Life was difficult due to frequent storms and the country’s location near the Pacific Ring of Fire. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521 and claimed the islands for Spain but was killed by Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan.

Spanish and American colonial rule (1565–1934)

Main articles: History of the Philippines (1565–1898) and History of the Philippines (1898–1946)

Spain began ruling the Philippines in 1565. Many Filipinos were taken far away to work, while others from Latin America came to live in the Philippines. Spanish Manila became an important city and the center of Spain’s lands in Asia and the Pacific. The Spanish built towns where Catholic missionaries could teach people new beliefs.

Spain faced many challenges, including fights with local groups and attacks from outside. Trade grew in the 19th century, changing Filipino society. Rebellion grew in 1872. This led to movements for change. José Rizal was executed in 1896, pushing more people toward fighting for independence. The Katipunan started a revolution in 1896. After Spain lost a war with the United States, the Philippines was given to the United States in 1898.

The First Philippine Republic was created in 1899, but the United States did not recognize it, leading to a conflict called the Philippine–American War.

The war caused many deaths among civilians. After the fighting ended in 1902, the United States set up a new government. American control continued, bringing changes and new settlements.

Commonwealth and World War II (1935–1946)

Further information: Commonwealth of the Philippines and Military history of the Philippines during World War II

Culture in the Philippines grew stronger, and the language Tagalog became more important. More control was given to Filipinos. The 1934 Tydings–McDuffie Act set up a ten-year plan for the Philippines to become independent, creating the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1935 with Manuel Quezon as president.

Japan invaded the Philippines in December 1941 during World War II, and set up a government led by Jose P. Laurel. Many people fought back in secret groups. Terrible events happened during the war. The resistance and Allied forces defeated Japan in 1944 and 1945. The Philippines became a member of the United Nations in 1945. On July 4, 1946, the United States recognized the Philippines' independence through the Treaty of Manila.

Independence (1946–present)

Main articles: History of the Philippines (1946–1965), History of the Philippines (1965–1986), and History of the Philippines (1986–present)

After the war, efforts to rebuild succeeded, but fights with rebel groups continued. Later leaders moved Independence Day to June 12, the date Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence.

In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos became president. He started big building projects but also borrowed a lot of money. In 1972, Marcos declared strict control of the country, limiting freedoms. He was accused of stealing money and treating people badly.

In 1983, a leader named Benigno Aquino Jr. was killed. This led to big protests in 1986, forcing Marcos to leave. Corazon Aquino, Benigno's wife, became president and introduced a new constitution.

The years after had challenges like debt, corruption, and attempts to take over the government. Natural disasters also occurred, such as the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Leaders after Aquino worked on improving the economy, but faced difficulties like financial crises.

In 2016, Rodrigo Duterte became president, focusing on building projects and fighting crime. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused lockdowns and economic problems. In 2022, Bongbong Marcos, the son of Ferdinand Marcos, became president. His administration has worked to strengthen ties with the United States again.

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Philippines

Further information: List of islands of the Philippines

The Philippines is a group of islands made up of about 7,641 islands. It is in Southeast Asia. The South China Sea is to the west, the Philippine Sea is to the east, and the Sulu Sea is to the southwest. The largest islands are Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate. The highest mountain is Mount Apo on Mindanao. The longest river is the Cagayan River on Luzon.

The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. This means it has frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. It has valuable minerals like gold and copper, but these are not fully used because of management and environmental issues.

Biodiversity

Main article: Wildlife of the Philippines

See also: List of threatened species of the Philippines and Ecoregions in the Philippines

The Philippines has many plants and animals. There are thousands of plant species, including flowers and trees. There are also many birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The country's waters have many different fish and other sea creatures.

The Philippines has many types of forests, including rain forests and mangroves. Forest cover has decreased over time due to logging and other activities, but efforts are being made to protect these areas.

Climate

Main article: Climate of the Philippines

The Philippines has a tropical climate, so it is usually hot and humid. There are three seasons: a dry season from March to May, a rainy season from June to November, and a cool dry season from December to February. The country gets many typhoons, especially from July to October, and is affected by climate change.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of the Philippines and Politics of the Philippines

See also: Political history of the Philippines

The Philippines has a democratic government called a constitutional republic with a presidential system. The president is the head of state and head of government and also leads the armed forces. The president is chosen by citizens for a six-year term. The vice president is chosen separately, so the president and vice president may be from different parties. The president picks leaders for different government areas.

The Congress has two parts: the Senate as the upper house and the House of Representatives as the lower house. Senators serve for six years, and representatives serve for three years. The Supreme Court makes decisions on laws, with a chief justice and fourteen other judges chosen by the president.

The Philippines works with other countries. It helped start the United Nations and ASEAN and takes part in peacekeeping missions. The country has strong ties with the United States, China, and Japan.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Philippines

The Philippines is a big country for work and trade. Its economy is changing from farming to more jobs in services and making things. Many people work there, and the country uses money called the Philippine peso.

The Philippines makes and sells things like computer parts and office machines. It also grows crops such as coconuts, bananas, and pineapples. People from other countries visit the Philippines for its beautiful beaches and places like Boracay and Cebu.

The country has grown quickly in recent years, especially in services. Many Filipinos working abroad send money home, which helps the economy. The Philippines is also known for helping other countries with tasks like customer service and for using new technology.

Science and technology

Main article: Science and technology in the Philippines

Further information: Philippine space program

The Philippines does research in farming and has created new types of rice, coconuts, and bananas. The country has its own space program and launched its first small satellite in 2016.

The Philippines has many people who use cell phones and do shopping on their phones. Text messaging is very popular there.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in the Philippines

The Philippines is a popular place for people to visit because of its nice beaches and warm weather. Famous spots include Boracay, Coron, El Nido, Cebu, Siargao, and Bohol. Many tourists come from countries like South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, and China.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in the Philippines

Transportation in the Philippines uses roads, air, rail, and water. Roads are the main way people and goods move around. The country has many roads, and a big highway called the Pan-Philippine Highway helps connect different islands. People use many vehicles, including jeepneys, buses, UV Express, and taxis, to get around. Traffic can be busy, especially in big cities.

There isn’t much rail transportation, mostly just in one area. The Philippines has many airports, with Ninoy Aquino International Airport being the busiest. Boats are also common, with many small ones used for travel between islands.

Energy

Main article: Energy in the Philippines

The Philippines gets its energy from different sources like coal, oil, water power, natural gas, and heat from the earth. It is good at using heat from the earth for power. Big dams and a large gas field help supply energy to many people.

Water supply and sanitation

Main article: Water supply and sanitation in the Philippines

Water and cleaning services are provided by local groups in towns and cities. In the main city area, two big companies take care of water. Most people have clean water to drink, and many homes have proper toilets, though some places still need better sewer systems.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Philippines

See also: List of cities in the Philippines

In July 2024, the Philippines had a population of 112,729,484. More than 60 percent of the country's population live near the coast. In 2020, 54 percent lived in cities. Manila, the capital, and Quezon City, the country's biggest city, are in Metro Manila. About 13.48 million people, or 12 percent of the Philippines' population, live in Metro Manila.

The country's median age is 25.3, and 63.9 percent of its population is between 15 and 64 years old. The Philippines' average yearly population growth rate is getting smaller. The country reduced its poverty rate from 49.2 percent in 1985 to 18.1 percent in 2021.

Ethnicity

Main article: Ethnic groups in the Philippines

See also: Filipinos, Pinoy, and Genetic and anthropology studies on Filipinos

The Philippines has many different ethnic groups. In the 2020 count, the Philippines' biggest ethnic groups were Tagalog (26.0 percent), Visayans (14.3 percent), Ilocano and Cebuano (both eight percent), Hiligaynon (7.9 percent), Bicolano (6.5 percent), and Waray (3.8 percent). The country's indigenous peoples included 110 groups, with a total of 15.56 million people in 2020.

Ethnic Filipinos generally belong to several Southeast Asian groups, speaking Malayo-Polynesian languages.

Languages

Main article: Languages of the Philippines

Ethnologue lists 186 languages for the Philippines, 182 of which are living languages. Filipino and English are the country's official languages. Filipino, a standard version of Tagalog, is mainly spoken in Metro Manila. Filipino and English are used in government, schools, printing, broadcasting, and business. Switching between English and other local languages, especially Tagalog, is common.

In 2020, the top languages mainly spoken at home were Tagalog, Binisaya, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Cebuano, and Bikol. Nineteen regional languages are helper official languages as ways of teaching. Filipino Sign Language is the national sign language.

Religion

Main article: Religion in the Philippines

Although the Philippines is a secular country with freedom of religion, most Filipinos think religion is very important. Christianity is the main religion followed by about 89 percent of the people. The country had the world's third-biggest Roman Catholic group as of 2013, and was Asia's biggest Christian country.

Other Christian groups include Iglesia ni Cristo. Protestants made up about 5% to 7% of the people in 2010. Islam is the country's second-biggest religion, with 6.4 percent of the people in the 2020 count. Most Muslims live in Mindanao and nearby islands.

Health

Main article: Health in the Philippines

Health care in the Philippines is given by national and local governments, although private payments cover most health spending. Per-person health spending in 2024 was ₱12,751 and health spending was 5.9 percent of the country's total money. The 2019 Universal Health Care Act by President Duterte made it so all Filipinos are automatically part of the national health insurance program.

Average life expectancy in the Philippines as of 2023 is 70.48 years. The country's main causes of death in 2021 were ischaemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, COVID-19, cancers, and diabetes.

The Philippines has 1,387 hospitals, 33 percent of which are run by the government. Since 1967, the Philippines has become the biggest global giver of nurses.

Education

Main article: Education in the Philippines

Further information: Higher education in the Philippines

Primary and secondary school in the Philippines has six years of elementary school, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school. Public school, given by the government, is free for elementary and secondary levels and at most public colleges.

The Philippines has 1,975 colleges and universities as of 2019, of which 246 are public and 1,729 are private. Public schools are not tied to any religion, and are mainly run by the government or local governments. The national school is the eight-school University of the Philippines (UP) system. The country's top schools are the University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas.

Culture

Main article: Culture of the Philippines

The Philippines has many different cultures because of its many islands. Spanish and American cultures greatly shaped Filipino culture due to long periods of rule. The cultures of the Lumads of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago developed separately, as they had less Spanish influence and more from nearby Islamic regions. Indigenous groups like the Igorots kept their old customs and traditions. A national identity emerged in the 19th century, with shared national symbols and cultural touchstones.

Hispanic legacies include the dominance of Catholicism, a creole language, loanwords, endangered Philippine Spanish, arts, architecture, literature, drama, food, music, dance, fashion, and Spanish names and surnames. American influence is seen in the use of English, fast food, and American films and music.

Public holidays in the Philippines are regular or special. Festivals are mostly religious, with most towns and villages having one, usually to honor a patron saint. Well-known festivals include Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, Moriones, Sinulog, and Flores de Mayo—a month-long devotion to the Virgin Mary held in May. The Christmas season starts as early as September 1, and Holy Week is a solemn observance for Christians.

Values

Main article: Filipino values

Further information: Filipino psychology

Filipino values are based on personal alliances in kinship, obligation, friendship, religion (especially Christianity), and commerce. They focus on social harmony, motivated by the desire for group acceptance. Reciprocity is a key trait, and this debt can never be fully repaid. Shame and loss of self-esteem are the main sanctions for not following these values.

The family is central to Philippine society, with loyalty, close relationships, and care for elderly parents being important. Respect for authority and the elderly is shown with gestures and honorifics. Other values include optimism about the future, concern for others, friendship, hospitality, religiosity, respect for oneself and others, and integrity.

Art and architecture

Main articles: Arts in the Philippines and Architecture of the Philippines

Philippine art mixes indigenous folk art, East Asian, and Classical traditions. During Spanish rule, art was used to spread Catholicism, mainly through paintings and sculptures. Traditional Philippine architecture includes the indigenous bahay kubo and the bahay na bato, which developed under Spanish rule. Some regions used limestone due to the climate. Spanish architecture left its mark with town designs around a central square or plaza mayor. Spanish colonial fortifications were built by Filipino stonemasons. Vigan in Ilocos Sur is known for its Hispanic-style houses and buildings.

American rule brought new styles to government buildings and Art Deco theaters. Gabaldon school buildings were constructed, and city planning with architectural designs and master plans by Daniel Burnham was done in parts of Manila and Baguio. Buildings from Spanish and American periods can be seen in Iloilo, especially on Calle Real.

Music and dance

Main articles: Music of the Philippines and Dance in the Philippines

There are two types of Philippine folk dance: traditional indigenous and Spanish-influenced. Folk dancing revived in the 1920s. The Cariñosa, a Hispanic Filipino dance, is unofficially the national dance. Popular indigenous dances include Tinikling and Singkil. Today’s dances range from ballet to breakdancing.

Rondalya music, with mandolin-type instruments, was popular during Spanish times. Spanish-influenced music was mainly bandurria-based bands with 14-string guitars. American rule introduced U.S. culture and popular music. Rock music came to Filipinos in the 1960s and developed into Filipino rock, including pop rock, alternative rock, heavy metal, punk, new wave, ska, and reggae. Karaoke is popular. From 2010 to 2020, Pinoy pop (P-pop) was influenced by K-pop and J-pop.

Local theater became established in the late 1870s. Spanish influence introduced zarzuela plays (with music) and comedias. American influence brought vaudeville and ballet. Realistic theater became dominant in the 20th century.

Literature

Main article: Philippine literature

Philippine literature is written in Filipino, Spanish, or English. Some well-known early works from the 17th to 19th centuries include Ibong Adarna, an epic about a magical bird, and Florante at Laura by Tagalog author Francisco Balagtas. José Rizal wrote Noli Me Tángere and El filibusterismo.

Folk literature was less affected by colonial influence until the 19th century. Most printed works during Spanish rule were religious. American arrival brought English into Filipino literature and influenced the Philippine comics industry. Philippine mythology is passed down orally, with popular figures like Maria Makiling, Lam-ang, and Sarimanok. The country has folk epics, with wealthy families preserving them as heirlooms.

Media

Main article: Mass media in the Philippines

Further information: Cinema of the Philippines

Philippine media uses Filipino and English, though broadcasting has shifted to Filipino. Television shows, commercials, and films are regulated by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. Most Filipinos get news from television, the Internet, and social media. The state-owned network is People's Television Network (PTV). ABS-CBN and GMA were major TV networks.

Local film-making began in 1919 with Dalagang Bukid (A Girl from the Country), directed by Jose Nepomuceno. Production companies were small during the silent film era, but sound films and larger productions emerged in 1933. The 1940s to early 1960s were a high point for Philippine cinema. Since the 2000s, the industry has struggled against foreign films, but art films and indie films have succeeded.

The Philippines has many radio stations and newspapers. English broadsheets are popular among professionals, while Tagalog tabloids are cheaper and popular in Manila. Newspaper readership is declining in favor of online news. Top newspapers include the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, and The Philippine Star. The Philippines has many Internet users, with 67 percent of Filipinos having access in early 2021, mostly using smartphones.

Cuisine

Main article: Filipino cuisine

Traditional Philippine cuisine evolved from Malayo-Polynesian roots since the 16th century, influenced by Hispanic, Chinese, and American cuisines. Filipinos prefer robust flavors with sweet, salty, and sour combinations. Regional variations exist; rice is the staple starch, but cassava is common in Mindanao. Adobo is the unofficial national dish. Other popular dishes include lechón, kare-kare, sinigang, pancit, lumpia, and arroz caldo. Traditional desserts are kakanin (rice cakes). Ingredients such as calamansi, ube, and pili are used in desserts. Condiments like patis, bagoong, and toyo add flavor.

Unlike East or Southeast Asian countries, Filipinos usually eat with spoons and forks. Traditional eating with hands was used in less urban areas but has been popularized with Filipino food for foreigners and city residents.

Sports and recreation

Main articles: Sports in the Philippines and Traditional games in the Philippines

Basketball is the most popular sport, played at amateur and professional levels. Other popular sports include boxing and billiards. The national martial art is Arnis. Sabong (cockfighting) is popular entertainment, especially among men. Video gaming and esports are growing, while indigenous games like patintero, tumbang preso, luksong tinik, and piko are less popular among young people.

The men's national football team has played in one Asian Cup. The women's national football team qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in 2022, their first World Cup. The Philippines has participated in every Summer Olympic Games since 1924, except when they supported the boycott of the 1980 Games. It was the first tropical nation to compete in the Winter Olympic Games, debuting in 1972. In 2021, the Philippines won its first Olympic gold medal with weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz's victory in Tokyo.