The Philippine Islands became a Spanish
colony during the 16th century; they were ceded
to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American
War. On 4 July 1946 the Philippines attained their
independence. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS
ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion
forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO
as president. The US closed its last military bases
on the islands in 1992. The Philippine Government
faces threats from armed communist insurgencies
and from Muslim separatists in the south.
The capital of the Philippines is Manila and the
climate is predominantly hot and humid. The unemployment
rate is approximately 12% with 40% of the population
below the poverty line.
POPULATION
Population of the country is 87,857,473 (July 2005
est.) with a population growth rate of 1.84% (2005
est.).
ETHNIC GROUPS
Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya
7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bicol 6%, Waray 3.4%,
other 25.3% (2000 census)
LANGUAGE
Two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog)
and English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano,
Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango,
and Pangasinan
There are over 111 cultural and racial
groups, each with its own language or dialect; in
1990 there were 988 recorded languages.
RELIGION
Roman Catholic 80.9%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia
ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%,
Muslim 5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1%
(2000 census)
CURRENCY
The local currency used is Philippine peso (PHP).
Always use authorised money-changers
or banks in Manila. Outside the capital there is
a shortage of facilities for changing foreign currency
and rates may get progressively worse as you travel
further away from the city. It is advisable to carry
a sufficient amount of Philippine pesos when travelling
to other provinces.
All major credit cards are widely
accepted in major establishments throughout the
big cities of the Philippines. Travelers’
cheques and major foreign currency may be cashed
in all commercial banks and Central Bank dealers.
They are also accepted in most hotels, restaurants
and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges,
travelers’ are advised to take travelers’
cheques in US Dollars.
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Nationals from 145 countries are allowed to enter
the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding
twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets
for their return journey to port of origin or next
port of destination. Visit website http://www.gov.ph/faqs/visa.asp for the list of countries that are granted exemptions.
Department regulations require that passports are
valid for a period of not less than six months beyond
the contemplated period of stay.
For more information
on visa application and procedures, visit website www.gov.ph/faqs/visa.asp or inquire with the Philippines High Commission
located in/ near your country.
AIRPORT TAX
Any passengers departing Philippines on international
flights will need to pay a departure tax of P550.
Children under two years of age and transit passengers
are exempted.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in The Philippines is 220 volts (110
volts in Baguio) AC, 60Hz. 110 volts is available
in most hotels. Flat and round two- and three-pin
plugs are in use.
TAP WATER
Water in Metro Manila and in key cities and towns
is potable and safe for drinking. Bottled water
is available in many hotels, restaurants, resorts,
supermarkets, and convenience stores.
VACCINATIONS
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area
(e.g A yellow fever or typhus vaccination certificate
is required from travelers over one year of age
arriving within six days from infected areas. A
certificate is also required by those arriving from
small pox or plague infected areas). It is advisable
to check for updated health recommendations regarding
typhoid, cholera etc before your departure to Philippines.
CLIMATE
Tropical climate tempered by constant sea breezes.
There are three distinct seasons: the rainy season
(June to September), cool and dry (October to February),
and hot and mainly dry (March to May). Evenings
are cooler. Typhoons occasionally occur from June
to September.
TIME
GMT +8
CLOTHING
Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments
are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches
and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and
scanty clothing be avoided.
Sources:
CIA
world fact book, August 2005
Philippines
Country Guide
WOW
Philippines
Gov.ph
- General Info
Operation World, 21st Century Edition (2001) by
Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk
