The Philippines is the second-largest archipelago on the planet, with over 7,100 individual islands within it's borders.

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century, they were ceded to the U.S. in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth.

The Philippines is one of the major crossroads in the eastern hemisphere, as it is home to over 100 ethnic groups and hundreds of language dialects.

Population
87,857,473 (July 2005 est.)

Capital City
Manila

Languages
Filipino, English, eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Official Currency
Philippine Peso

Religion
Christian, other

Climate
Tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)

National Overseer
Rogelio Justiniano

Ministry Stats