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