Philippines, Republic of the, republic in the western Pacific Ocean, made up of the Philippine Islands and forming in physical geography a part of the Malay Archipelago. The country comprises about 7,100 islands, of which only about 460 are more than 1 sq mi in area (equivalent to 2.6 sq km). Eleven islands have an area of more than 2,600 sq km (1,000 sq mi) each and contain the bulk of the population. These islands are Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate.

            The islands, of volcanic origin, are the summits of a partly submerged mountain mass, and all are mountainous. Earthquakes are fairly common in the islands, which include about 20 active volcanoes. The Philippines are richly endowed with mineral and forest resources.

            Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the country's chief port, main commercial center, and largest city. About 55 percent of the population speaks Filipino. English is commonly used for educational, governmental, and commercial purposes. Spanish, formerly an official language, is spoken by a dwindling minority of the population.

General Information

Taxi - Taxis are plentiful. Negotiate before boarding, or ask drivers to use meter.

Bus - Bus fares are cheap. Buses usually charge a fixed rate for every route.

Rail - The Light Rail Transit covers only part of Manila city.

Driving - Traffic keeps to the right. Car rental companies have counters at major hotels and airports.

Red or green public phones are in most buildings and at public parks. Local telephone calls can be made with coins. Long distance calls can be made through International Direct Dialing (IDD) in major hotels or placed through a switch-board operator.

Economy

Major Exports : Copra (world's largest producer), sugar, coconut oil, electronics and clothing.

Major Imports : Machinery, petrochemicals, metals, oil and fuel, foodstuffs and consumer goods.

Major Trading Partners : US, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, UK, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Business Hours

Government offices are open from 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 12.00noon on Saturday. Private offices open from 9.00am to 6.00pm with a one-hour lunch break.

Banks

The Central Bank of the Philippines and the Philippines National Bank are owned by the government. Banking hours are from 9.00am to 3.00pm on weekdays.

Health

There are numerous hospitals and clinics all over the country with modern facilities. Medical centres are usually linked with hotels. Drink boiled or bottled water outside Manila.

Climate

The Philippine Islands are within the Tropics and have a mean annual temperature of about 27°C (about 80°F). In general, interior valleys and leeward sides of islands are warmer than the mean; mountain slopes and peaks and windward sides of islands are cooler than the mean. Rainfall averages about 2,030 mm (about 80 in) a year in the lowlands. In most of the Philippine Islands the rainy season occurs during the summer monsoon, from May to November, when the wind blows from the southwest; the dry season occurs during the winter monsoon, from December to April, when the wind blows from the northeast. From June to October the Philippine Islands are sometimes struck by typhoons, which occasionally cause great damage.

Traveller's Tips

Family unity features strongly in decision making. Group benefits are considered above individual profit. Filipinos have a wonderful sense of humour and are extremely hospitable.

Eating Out

Restaurants offer a wide variety of fresh seafood and fruits, as well as a combination of local and international cuisines. Local beer and fruit juices are inexpensive and usually favoured with meals.

Visas

21 day visas are issued on arrival. 59 day visas can be obtained in advance and cost around US$35.

Light, casual clothing is suitable, except in the cooler highlands. For business, a dinner jacket and tie or the Philippine Barong Tagalog is appropriate.

For Further Information

Department of Tourism
DOT Building, T.F Valencia Circle
Rizal Park Manila, Philippines
Tel : (632)  5256322
Fax : (632) 526955
Website : www.dotpevc.gov.ph

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