Official Name Republic of the Philippines

Capital Manila

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (14th)

Location The western Pacific Ocean in Southeast Asia

Geography The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands. The main island groups are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Motto "Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa"

National Anthem Lupang Hinirang

Bayang Magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan,
Alab ng puso
Sa dibdib mo'y buhay.

Lupang hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
'Di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula at awit
Sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya
Kailan pa ma'y 'di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo;
Aming ligaya, na 'pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa 'yo.

Language There are 2 official languages - Filipino and English. Filipino is the national language based on Tagalog. The 8 major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense. However, there are about 76-78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects.

Religion Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, however Muslim, smaller Christian denominations, and Buddhism are other religions practiced.

Money The monetary unit is the peso.