Philippines
Republika ng Pilipinas
Republic of the Philippines
Flag of the Philippines Coat of arms of the Philippines Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa
(Filipino: For God, People, Nature, and Country)
Anthem: Lupang Hinirang (Chosen Land)
Location of the Philippines Capital: Manila
Largest city: Quezon City
Official Languages: Filipino and English
Government: Unitary presidential republic - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; Vice President Noli de Castro
Independence: From Spain and US - Declated June 12, 1898 - Recognized July 04, 1946 - Current constitution March 25, 1986
Area - Total 300,000 km² (72nd) 115,831 sq mi - Water (%) 0.6%
Population - July 2005 est. 83,054,000 (13th) - 2000 census 76,504,077 - Density 276/km² (42nd) 715/sq mi GDP (PPP) 2005 estimate - Total $453 billion (25th) - Per capita $4,923 (102nd) HDI (2003) 0.758 (84th) – medium
Currency: Philippine Peso (piso) (PHP)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
Internet TLD: .ph
Calling code: +63
*Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Bikol, Waray-Waray, Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Kinaray-a, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tagalog, Tausug, are the auxiliary official languages in their respective regions. Spanish and Arabic are promoted on an optional and voluntary basis.

National Symbols:
Flag National Flag (Pambansang Watawat)
Anthem Lupang Hinirang
Patriotic Song Pilipinas Kong Mahal Gem South Sea pearls
Dance Cariñosa (formerly Tinikling)
Animal Carabao / Tamaraw
Bird Philippine Eagle (formerly the Tree Sparrow or Maya)
Fish Milkfish (Bangus)
 Flower Arabian Jasmine (Sampaguita)
Tree Angsana (Narra)
Leaf Fan palm (Anahaw)
Fruit Mango
Sport Sipa
Costume Barong and Baro't saya
 Hero José P. Rizal

more about the Philippines
* 1 History
* 2 Politics and government
* 3 Administrative divisions
* 4 Geography
* 5 Economy
* 6 Demographics
  o 6.1 Ethnic groups
  o 6.2 Languages
  o 6.3 Religion
* 7 Culture
* 8 National Heroes