Philippines

Republika ng Pilipinas
Republic 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)

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)