FAST FACTS

FAST FACTS

Capital: Manila Population: 76.5 million Land Area: 300,000 square kilometers Major Group of Islands: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao Climate: Dry season (November to June); Rainy season (July to October) Language: Filipino is the national language. English is widely spoken and extensively used in business, government and schools. There are more than 87 languages and dialects in the country. Religion: Roman Catholic (85%), Islam (10%) and other indigenous religions (5%) Literacy rate: 94% Form of Government: Presidential, Democratic Branches of Government:Executive, Legislative (Congress and Senate) and Judicial Currency: Philippine Peso Gross National Product Growth (2000): 4.2% Gross Domestic Product Growth (2000): 3.9% Major Exports (2000): semi-conductor and electronic components, clothing apparel, woodcraft and furniture, coconut oil, petroleum, metal components, and bananas. Major Imports (2000): electronic components, mineral fuel, telecommunications equipment and electrical machinery, textile yarn, transport equipment, iron and steel. Major Trading Partners (2000): U.S., Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Hongkong, Malaysia, Thailand Major Tourist Destinations: Luzon -- Intramuros (Manila), Tagaytay City, Laog City, Vigan, Baguio City, Banaue Rice Terraces, Palawan Visayas -- Cebu City, Boracay Island, Bohol Island, Mindanao -- Samal Island/Davao City