The Philippines can be called with all confidence and without false modesty a heavenly holiday destination. This place very quickly gained popularity among tourists from all over the world and now can easily compete with other popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Of course, here you can fully enjoy an exotic holiday, which is available thanks to the developed tourism infrastructure.
The Philippines will delight all guests with delicious cuisine, exotic holidays, excellent climatic conditions, amazing natural wonders and much more. Therefore, anyone who doubts whether it is worth flying such a distance can definitely say that the rather long flight to this resort is worth it!
Origin of the state and its name
Interestingly, the Philippines is named after the king. However, the appearance of this particular name was preceded by a number of interesting and important events in the life of the country.
In the spring of 1521, the famous Spanish and Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan arrived in these lands, but at that time he did not find any signs of the existence of the state, but nevertheless, this date is considered the discovery of the Philippine islands. The name itself has existed since 1543. For a long time, the Philippines was a Spanish colony, hence the name. The Philippines was named after King Philip II.
Geographical location
The Philippines occupies an archipelago of the same name, which is located in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. The Philippine archipelago consists of a huge number of islands (there are more than 7,107 in total), but only 2,000 are inhabited.
The archipelago is washed from the west by the South China Sea, from the east by the Philippine Sea, and from the south by the sea called Sulawesi. If we talk about large islands, they are of volcanic origin. In the central and northern parts of the Philippines are the Cordilleras, the largest mountain range.
Climate
The Philippines has a tropical maritime and subequatorial climate. There are three seasons:
- rainy - characterized by heavy rainfall and lasts from June to September, temperature regime - 23-33 degrees Celsius;
- dry - lasts from October to February, temperature - 23-39 degrees plus;
- hot dry - lasts from March to April and the average temperature during this period is +28.
As for the mountainous regions of the country, frosts are often observed. Between June (August) and October, the Philippines experiences devastating typhoons.
If you want to enjoy your holiday in the Philippines, the best time to choose is from late September to mid-March.
Population
As of 2015, the estimated population of the Philippines was 11,562,306. If we talk about ethnic composition, it looks like this:
- Visayas - 30%
- Tagalogs - 28.1%
- Cebuano - 13.1%
- Ilocano - 9%
- Binisaya - 7.6%
- Hiligaynon - 7.5%
- bicol - 6%
- Warai - 3.4%
- others - 25.3%
State-political structure
The Philippines' government structure is a presidential republic. The President is re-elected by the people every 6 years, as is the Senate. But the House of Representatives is re-elected every 3 years.
The judicial system here is independent. The main unit of administrative division is the province. In total, the Philippines has 80 provinces. The provinces, in turn, are united into 17 regions.
Currency
The national currency of the Philippines is the peso.
Religion, culture and customs
The vast majority of Filipino locals are Catholic (83%), followed by Muslim (5%), Protestant (5.4%), Independent Church (2.6%) and Church of Christ (2.3%).
Historically, the locals have adopted two religions, namely Christianity and Islam. As for Islam, it appeared in the 14th century after trade ties with the Arab states became closer. Currently, this religion is mainly practiced in the southern regions of the Philippines.
As for Christianity, it arose in the 16th century thanks to the same famous navigator who discovered the islands - Magellan.
Protestantism in the Philippines arose thanks to Presbyterian missionaries who appeared on the islands.
Customs and traditions in the Philippines are very diverse, mainly due to the influence of other countries on the lives of the local population. And only Muslims living on the islands were able to preserve their identity and traditions. Filipinos have a calm temperament, they are somewhat slow and are almost always late. Locals love cockfights.
Also in the Philippines, various celebrations and holidays are held annually in large numbers. The already measured rhythm of life of local residents is diluted by fiestas, which were “inherited” from Spain.
When you come here on vacation, you need to be prepared for the unusual behavior of Filipinos. For example, a local resident can easily approach you with a very frank question, but this is in no way a manifestation of rudeness, they are just very curious.
National cuisine
As for the national cuisine of the Philippines, it is worth noting that it was formed under the influence of Spanish, Chinese and Malaysian. In the morning or afternoon, they offer popular snacks called merienda and pulutan (small clams), which are served with alcoholic drinks. In the evening, you should try meat or seafood cooked on the barbecue.
The standard dish is served with rice, meat, and vegetables. You should also definitely try local soups, as there is a very large selection of them. The garnishes here include papaya slices, shrimp paste, and pureed fish.
Well, as for drinks, beer is especially popular on the islands, so when you are at the bar, be sure to order yourself a glass of San Miguel.
Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
State educational institution
higher professional education
"Tula State University"
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Industry
CONTROL COURSE WORK
in the discipline COUNTRY STUDY
on the topic of the Philippines
Developed by:
student gr. 930471
Kartavenko A. P.
Checked:
Ass. department TIG
Malafy A. S.
Introduction
1. Physiographic location
1.1 Geographical location
1.2 Climate
1.3 Vegetation and fauna
1.4 Regions
2. Political system
3. Administrative-territorial division
5. Economic and geographical characteristics of the countries of the region
6. Population
7. Ecology
Conclusion
List of sources used
Introduction
The Philippines is a holiday in paradise. Holidays for gourmets. Tours to the Philippine Islands for those who appreciate real exoticism. These are many islands, each of which has unique features. This includes the diversity of nature and the most ancient wonders of architecture. Diving in the Philippines will not leave even the pros indifferent. The Philippine islands offer snow-white beaches and clear water. Here you will find European service in top-class hotels, many SPA salons, holidays and festivals, smiles and participation. The Philippines is the harmony of nature and man, it is time that has stood still, it is romance and a unique psychology, legends and ancient tribes, uninhabited islands and outwardly modest bungalows with luxury filling. In the Philippine Islands it's easy to feel cared for. They love Russians here. And the prices, compared to Moscow, will seem simply ridiculous to you. Or heavenly. The Philippines is romance with a capital R. This is a gift you won't forget.
1. Physiographic location
1.1 Geographical location
The state of the Philippines occupies the Philippine Islands, which are part of the Malay Archipelago. The largest of more than 7,100 islands belonging to the Philippines are Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Panay, Palawan, Negros, Mindoro, Leyte, Bohol, Cebu.
The length of the Philippine archipelago from north to south is about 2000 km, from west to east - 900 km. In the west, the islands are washed by the South China Sea, in the east - by the Philippine Sea, in the south - by the Sulawesi Sea, in the north, the Philippine Islands are separated from the island of Taiwan by the Bashi Strait. The length of the coastline is 36.3 thousand km. The total area of the islands is 299.7 thousand km².
The relief of the islands consists mainly of mountains, the highest of which, Apo Volcano (2954 m), is located on the island of Mindanao. The mountain ranges are of volcanic origin, since the archipelago is located at the junction of the continental and oceanic lithospheric plates and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is characterized by increased seismicity and volcanism. Deep sea trenches and volcanic islands are a distinctive feature of the Philippines. Off the coast of the island of Mindanao lies the Philippine Trench with a depth of up to 10,830 m - one of the deepest in the world's oceans.
1.2 Climate
In general, the climate of the Philippines is tropical, monsoonal, but due to the highly dissected relief, it is heterogeneous.
The air temperature in the Philippine Islands is stable all year round. The difference between the hottest and coolest months in the north is 4o C, and in the south it is even less. The average annual temperature on the plains is about 27o C.
Based on the amount and seasonal distribution of precipitation, four regions are distinguished:
1. In the eastern regions of the Philippine archipelago (the eastern coast of Luzon, Bohol and Leyte, central and western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago) precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.
2. In the western regions of the country (in the west of the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Palawan, Negros) there are two seasons: winter-spring dry - 50-200 mm of precipitation (October - April) and summer-autumn wet (from April to October intense rain caused by strong southwest winds).
3. In the northeast of Luzon, Samar Island, the east of the islands of Leyte and Mindanao, precipitation falls all year round, but its maximum occurs in November - January. During the summer and autumn months, typhoons periodically strike Luzon and the Visayas from the east and northeast. Catastrophic floods are associated with prolonged heavy rains. The annual precipitation in this area is 2000-4000 mm.
4. The area, which includes the eastern regions of the islands of Mindoro, Panay, Negros, Cebu and the north-west of Minandao Island, is characterized by an average annual rainfall of 1300-1500 mm and a short, relatively dry period.
1.3 Flora and fauna
On the Philippine Islands, the vegetation is rich and diverse and has more than 10 thousand species. This is about 3 thousand trees, 1 thousand ferns and pteridophytes, 900 species of orchids. About 60 species of tree species are of commercial value. Forests occupy more than 40% of the country's territory.
Of the large mammals in the Philippines, there are two subspecies of the Asian buffalo - the carabao and the tamaraw (the latter is found only in the central regions of the island of Mindoro). Smaller mammals are somewhat more widely represented. These include five species of macaques, tarsier (a representative of prosimians), rodents, numerous bats (about 60 species, including fruit bats that cause great damage to gardens) and shrews, as well as Javan deer (or dwarf musk deer) and porcupine living on Palawan island, Philippine woolly wing, pangolin lizard. Among the predatory animals there are such small animals as the short-legged mongoose, binturong, and strange-tailed mongoose. Characterized by an abundance of reptiles (crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lizards, including geckos). Several hundred bird species have been recorded in the Philippines. More than 300 species of birds nest here, including a rare bird of prey from the hawk family - the harpy (lives in the forests of the island of Mindanao and feeds on macaques). The species diversity of insects is enormous, among which there are many carriers of diseases (for example, mosquitoes) and agricultural pests (cycads, etc.). The variety and beauty of butterflies is amazing.
There are more than 2 thousand species of fish in the seas, many of which are of commercial importance (sardines, mackerel, tuna, etc.). In the shallow waters of the Sulu Archipelago, large colonies of mollusks, including pearl mussels, are found.
1.4 Regions
The Philippine archipelago consists of more than seven thousand islands. It is conventionally divided into island groups: Luzon in the north and west, Visayas (Visayans, Visayas) in the center and Mindanao in the south.
The Visayans include: Cebu, Panay, Negros, Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Boracay, etc.
Manila, o. Luzon
Luzon is the largest (area 104,688 km2) island of the Philippine archipelago and the 15th largest island in the world. It is located in the northern part of the Philippine Islands. With the adjacent islands, it forms the island group of the same name (Luzon), one of three parts, along with the Visayas and Mindanao, which make up the Philippines.
In addition to the island of Luzon, the Luzon island group includes the following islands: Mindoro, Palawan(the assignment to Luzon is not clear, sometimes it is considered to be Visayas), Busuanga, Coron, Sibuyan, Babuyan Archipelago, etc.
From the west, Luzon is washed by the South China Sea, and from the east by the Philippine Sea.
Features of Luzon Island
The relief of the island of Luzon is complex, with a combination of mountains, intermountain and coastal plains. The largest mountain range in the Philippines, the Cordillera, is located here. The highest point of the island (the second highest in the country) is Mount Pulag, 2922 m. There are active volcanoes on Luzon, including the famous Mayon and Taal volcanoes. The largest lake in the Philippines, Laguna de Bay, is also located in Luzon.
The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located on Manila Bay on the island of Luzon.
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines, it is the largest (if you count the metropolis with its surrounding suburbs) city in the country, its economic, political and cultural center. The city was founded by the Spaniards on June 24, 1571 at the confluence of the Pasig River into Manila Bay of the South China Sea on the basis of an already existing settlement of local residents.
Manila has long merged with neighboring cities and towns, forming one of the largest (estimated number of inhabitants - 20 million) megacities on Earth - Metro Manila or the National Capital Region, the only Philippine region not divided into provinces . Metro Manila consists of a number of cities, the largest of which is not Manila itself, but Quezon City, the former capital of the Philippines (from 1948 to 1976).
The city of Manila itself is divided into districts:
Binondo
· Intramuros
· Quiapo
Malate
Paco
Pandacan
Port Area
· Sampaloc
· San Andres
· San Miguel
· San Nicolas
· Santa Ana
· Santa Cruz
· Santa Mesa
· Tondo
Ermita
In Manila, 7 km from the city center, there is the largest international airport in the Philippines - Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The domestic airport is also 1 km from the international airport.
Main attractions of Manila: Intramuros (old city), Fort Santiago, Luneta (Rizal Park), St. Augustine Church (1587), Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Zoo, etc.
Spicy to Cebu
Cebu, the "Queen of the South", attracts tourists with its combination of the country's rich history, stunning beaches and resorts, vibrant nightlife and the hospitality of the locals.
Location of Cebu Island
Cebu Island is located in the central part of the Philippine archipelago (belongs to the Visayas island group), east of Negros Island and west of Leyte. To the southeast of Cebu is the island of Bohol. Just to the west of the northern tip of Cebu lies the small island of Bantayan, popular as a beach holiday center, and to the east is the small island of Malapasca, famous among divers.
Cebu is an elongated island, stretching 225 km from north to south, and up to 45 km wide. Area - about 4486 km2.
The western and eastern coasts of the island are separated by a mountain range that rises to heights of about 1000 m.
Together with the surrounding islands, the main of which is Mactan, the island of Cebu makes up the province of the same name in the Philippines.
The capital of Cebu Island, Cebu City (Cebu City), located on the eastern shore, opposite Mactan Island, is the second largest and oldest city in the Philippines.
Features of Cebu
Cebu is perhaps the most historically significant island in the Philippines. Here in 1521 the great navigator Ferdinand Magellan dropped his anchor on the shores. Having become involved in tribal feuds, he was killed by the leader of the neighboring island of Mactan. In 1886, a monument was erected at the site of the death of the famous Portuguese. It is curious that in the same square there is a monument to the leader Lapu-Lapu, who killed Magellan. If Magellan is revered as having discovered Europe and Christianity to the Filipinos, then Lapu-Lapu, according to local residents, is the first fighter against Spanish colonialism. This is dialectic in Filipino.
Success in colonization was achieved by another conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. According to legend, at the site of Magellan's death in 1565, he founded the city of Cebu, the first city in the Philippines, their first capital. Legazpi baptized the local population and Cebu has since been considered the cradle of Christianity in the East.
Cebu has the oldest Spanish fortress, the very first street, the first school, etc.
Even with the transfer of the capital to Manila, Cebu continued to maintain a dominant role in the southern region, being the main local port and main market. The basis of the economy was created by agriculture and, above all, the cultivation of sugar cane.
Boracay Island
Boracay is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Boracay is famous for its extraordinary snow-white beaches with fine silky sand similar to flour, exotic tropical nature, natural caves, and the purest emerald sea, home to dozens of species of corals, including unique blue corals inhabited by colorful tropical fish.
Location of Boracay Island
Boracay is located in the central part of the Philippine archipelago, 315 km south of Manila and 2 km from the northern tip of Panay Island.
Boracay is a small, elongated island, 7 km long and about 1 km in the middle. The area is just over 10 km2. The highest point is Mount Laho - about 100 m above sea level.
Features of Boracay
The original population of Boracay Island was the dark-skinned Ati tribe.
Boracay has gained fame only recently. It was “discovered” by independent tourists in the 1980s. and this piece of paradise began to gradually gain popularity and is now considered almost the best beach holiday destination in the Philippines.
Velvety white sand and clear sea water have given it the title of one of the best beach resorts in the world. You can ride a Philippine six-oar boat or go diving (there are at least 12 diving centers on the island). There is a row of comfortable hotels right on the ocean shore. In Boracay you can visit the SPA center and play golf. Everywhere on the shore there are restaurants with a wide variety of world cuisines and local delicacies.
Boracay is considered the capital of nightlife and offers a wide variety of concerts and parties. Night bars, discos, restaurants, karaoke are located along the walking road.
Bulabog Beach has a fairly steady wind, so this place is actively used by fans of windsurfing and, especially, kite surfing. Boracay has many kite surfing schools and equipment rentals for kiters.
Palawan Island
Palawan is the westernmost of the major islands of the Philippines and the center of the province of the same name.
In 2007, National Geographic Traveler named Palawan the top island vacation destination in East and Southeast Asia and the 13th best island in the world. Palawan was also named among the must-visit destinations in 2011.
Location of Palawan Island
Palawan is located in the west of the Philippine archipelago, between the islands. Kalimantan (Borneo), which belongs to Indonesia and Malaysia in the southwest and the Philippine island. Mindoro in the northeast. It is separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. To the south of Palawan is the South China Sea, and the Sulu Sea separates Palawan from the middle part of the Philippine Islands.
Palawan is usually classified as part of the northern part of the Philippine archipelago, the Luzon island group. It is included in the Mimaropa region or (Region IV-B). In 2005, there was an attempt to transfer Palawan to the Western Visayas (VI) region and thus to the Visayas island group, but the decision appears to have never been implemented, so Palawan's regional identity is an open question.
With the surrounding islands, Palawan forms the province of the same name, the largest in area in the Philippines. The province of Palawan consists of about 1,780 islands from Mindoro to Borneo. Coral reefs with a total area of 11,000 km2 are hidden under the water column.
Geologically, Palawan is a continuation of the island of Kalimantan (Borneo), which belongs to Indonesia and Malaysia. Once upon a time, Palawan was one with Kalimantan. And now the flora and fauna of these islands have many similar species, but Palawan differs significantly from other islands of the Philippine archipelago in biological diversity.
Palawan is 425 km long with a width ranging from 8.5 to 40 km. Area - 14896 km2
Features of Palawan Island
The capital of Palawan is the only highly urbanized settlement on the island, Puerto Princesa, named after the Spanish Princess Eulalia.
There is no reliable information about the origin of the name of the island of Palawan. The word is believed to have Chinese roots, "pao-lao-yu" meaning "country with convenient harbors." The fact is that Chinese traders (X-XI centuries) were the first to explore Palawan. Until 1903, Palawan was called Paragua.
philippines archipelago geographical industry
Palawan is recognized as a natural reserve of world significance: majestic cliffs, impenetrable jungles, mangrove forests, primeval caves, a rich underwater world, underground rivers, wild beaches, exotic flora and fauna: scaly anteater and mouse deer.
One of the world's longest underground rivers flows along the archipelago's west coast, and Ursula Island is designated a fish and wildlife sanctuary. It is home to rare, critically endangered sea turtles and the sea cow, the rarest mammal in the world. There is a crocodile farm in the central part of the island.
The island of Palawan is created for those who want to retire on the shore of a cozy bay among dense exotic vegetation. Ideal for a relaxing family holiday, as well as for those who want to enjoy water sports.
All the natural wonders of Palawan province are concentrated in El Nido - one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. The islands of Anilao, Puerto Galera, Balicasag are ideal places for diving, snorkeling and underwater photography. Pagsanyan is the site of the famous Pagsanyan waterfall and river rapids.
El Nido resort (Spanish: nest, cache, refuge) is one of the most picturesque island resorts, part of the archipelago of the same name, the El Nido Marine Reserve. Majestic limestone cliffs, amazingly beautiful coral gardens where bright tropical fish frolic, lush greenery of the virgin jungle. The El Nido Marine Sanctuary in northern Palawan is home to all of the island's geological and underwater natural wonders.
Limestone cliffs have protected the bays and lagoons for about 250 million years. The diversity of local fish and coral species is incalculable. El Nido is made up of many small islands, most of them uninhabited. Each is easily accessible by boat - so you can spend the day on your own private beach, sunbathing, diving and swimming in the lagoons. The forests of El Nido are home to more than a hundred species of birds, most of which can only be seen in Palawan.
In 1934, the world's largest pearl (Lao Tzu's Pearl), with a diameter of 24 cm and a weight of 6.4 kg, was found in Palawan.
One of the James Bond films, Tomorrow Never Dies, was filmed in Palawan.
Mindoro Island
Mindoro, the seventh largest island of the Philippine archipelago, gets its name from the Spanish Mina de Oro - “gold mine”.
Mindoro is an interesting and picturesque island. One of the advantages of the northern coast of Mindoro, popular among tourists, is its accessibility from the capital of the Philippines - Manila (an hour and a half by ferry from Luzon Island).
Location of Mindoro Island
Mindoro is located south of the island of Luzon, separated from it by the Verde Strait. Mindoro is part of the Luzon island group.
Features of the island of Mindoro
Mindoro is a predominantly mountainous island. The highest point of Mindoro is the city of Halcon ("Alcon, Halcon"), 2582 m.
The area of the island is 9.8 thousand km2.
Administratively, Mindoro is divided into two provinces - Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.
The island of Mindoro is famous for the dwarf variety of Asian buffalo - tamarao.
Residents of Mindoro mainly speak Tagalog; Taglish is common in tourist centers; many speak English.
Mindoro attracts divers, lovers of country holidays, and fans of seafood cuisine.
Negros Island
Negros is the fifth largest island of the Philippine archipelago. The island received its name from the Spaniards either because of the color of the black rocks or because of the original dark-skinned population - the Negritos. The Filipinos themselves call Negros Buglas, literally “cut off.”
Negros is interesting primarily for diving enthusiasts, as well as for tourists who prefer quiet beaches with volcanic sand, inexpensive and comfortable accommodation and trips through the jungle, mountain rivers and waterfalls to noisy resorts.
Location of Negros Island
Negros Island is located in the center of the archipelago between Panay and Cebu and belongs to the Visayas.
Negros is separated from the island of Panay by the Guimaras Strait, and from Cebu by the Tanon Strait.
The area of Negros Island is about 13.3 thousand km2.
The highest point of Negros is Kanlaon Volcano (2435 m) in the northern part of the island, one of the most active Philippine volcanoes. In general, Negros is distinguished by volcanic activity; even electricity is generated here at geothermal stations.
Features of Negros Island
Administratively, ethnically and linguistically, Negros is divided into two parts - the provinces of Cebuano-speaking Negros Oriental (Negros Oriental) and Hiligay-speaking Negros Occidental (Negros Occidental). The main city of Eastern Negros is Dumaguete, Western - Bacolod.
The main resort of Negros, offering beach holidays, various entertainment, golf and diving is Dumaguete.
2. Political system
The current Philippine Constitution was adopted in 1987 after approval by a general referendum.
The Philippines is a presidential republic with a bicameral Congress and an independent judiciary. The head of state and government and commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces is the president. The President, according to the constitution, is elected for a 6-year term by universal suffrage of Filipino citizens who have reached the age of 18. A vice president is elected simultaneously with the president for the same term.
The Philippine Congress consists of two chambers: the Senate of 24 senators and the House of Representatives (no more than 250 members). Congress is the highest legislative body of the country.
The highest judicial body of the Philippines is the Supreme Court (14 chief justices appointed by the President).
Local authorities are elected provincial councils headed by governors. Cities and municipalities are governed by councils headed by mayors. Municipalities are divided into barangays.
3. Administrative-territorial division
Island groups
Since the Philippines is an island nation, administrative divisions are often based on geographic divisions. The Philippines is conventionally divided into three large island groups: Luzonna in the north and west, Visayas (Visayans, Visayas) in the center and Mindanao in the south.
The Luzon group includes the main islands: Luzon, Palawan, Mindoro, Sibuyan, Busuanga, Coron, the Babuyan archipelago, etc.
The Visayas include: Cebu, Panay, Negros Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Boracay, etc.
Mindanao includes the following islands: Mindanao, Basilan, etc.
Administrative division
The largest units of administrative division of the Philippine Republic are regions that do not have their own governing bodies (except for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao). Regions (except for the Capital Region) consist of main administrative units - provinces. Provinces are divided into municipalities and incorporated cities, and these, in turn, are divided into elementary administrative units - barangays (communities).
In total, the Philippines has 17 regions, 80 provinces, about 1,495 municipalities and almost 42 thousand barangays.
4. Currency
Currency unit
The currency of the Philippines is Philippine pesos(Piso in Filipino) piso), equal to 100 centavo or centimo.
Story
The birthday of the Philippine peso is called May 1, 1852, when the Spanish-Philippine Bank issued the so-called. "hard pesos" (Spanish) pesos fuertes), which replaced the reals that were previously used in the Philippines.
Designation
The international code for the Philippine Peso is PHP. Pesos can also be denoted simply by the Latin letter P. For the Philippine peso, a special sign has been developed - the letter “p” crossed out twice, but they can also be crossed out with a single line: P. The peso sign is often placed in front of the amount, for example P1,000 - one thousand pesos, P50 - fifty pesos. The centavo sign (c) is always placed after the amount: 10c - ten centavos.
Banknotes, coins
The price level in the Philippine Islands is quite low, so mostly small denominations of 5, 10, 20 pesos are in use. Banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos. Banknotes of 5 and 10 pesos have not been printed for a long time; they are gradually being replaced by coins of the same denominations, but the old banknotes are still in use.
The size of the banknotes is 160×66 mm. Almost all banknotes have two or more modifications. The banknotes of the new series are decorated with the signatures of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Central Bank Governor Rafael Buenaventura.
There is also a larger 2,000 pesos commemorative note.
The giant (in geometric sense) banknote of 1998 with a face value of 100 thousand pesos and measuring 216x356 mm can be called a curiosity. Due to its size, the banknote is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
There are coins in 5, 10 and 25 centavos, 1, 5 and 10 pesos. The 5 centavo coin has a hole in the center. The 10 peso coin is very similar in appearance to the bimetallic 2 euro coin.
Currency exchange
Exchange rates close to the official ones are offered only by banks in the capital, Manila. In provincial centers, courses are much worse. The import of foreign currency is not limited. You can take out up to 1000 pesos from the Philippines.
Credit cards, checks
International credit cards and checks Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Dinners Club are accepted at all major institutions.
Difficulties, dangers, tips
Of all the foreign currencies in the Philippines, American dollars are the most popular and there are the fewest problems with their exchange. On the black exchange market, large denomination bills are valued more highly, while one-dollar bills are viewed with distrust.
5. Economic and geographical characteristics of the countries of the region
The economy of the Philippines is a developing, predominantly agricultural country with a multi-structured economy: from natural-patriarchal to developed capitalist forms. After the declaration of independence (1946), the country embarked on the path of overcoming the colonial legacy in the economy. The adoption of a number of reforms and laws (on basic industries in 1961, on encouraging investment in 1967, etc.) and the implementation of economic development programs contributed to some changes in industrial and agricultural production. production (in 1950-70, industrial production increased 6-7 times, agricultural production - 3 times). In the total value of the gross national product in 1974 (UN data), the share of agriculture was 29%, industry and construction 24%, trade 7%, transport 2%. The national industrial and banking capital has grown, the public sector has expanded (construction, transport, irrigation, etc.). The limitations of one’s own financial base, the resistance of a bloc of large landowners, etc. For the old bourgeoisie, socio-economic transformations are complicated by the restructuring of the socio-economic structure. In the 1970s The government has proclaimed a policy of primarily relying on its own national and regional forces, but not without attracting foreign sources of financing, which maintains the Philippines’ dependence on foreign capital. By 1976, the external debt of the Philippines reached $4.0 billion, mainly to the USA, Japan, Germany, France, and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The country's economy is largely focused on the foreign market. On the world market, the Philippines acts as a supplier of both traditional agricultural products. goods (raw sugar, copra) and timber, as well as mineral raw materials (copper, iron ores, chromites, etc.).
Agriculture
Philippine agriculture is known for its research on rice diversity, which takes place at the International Rice Research Institute. This institution also played a major role in the Green Revolution, which increased rice production in a major way.
Rice in Philippines Agriculture is a major crop as more than 75 percent of the people in the country prefer rice. Because most farmers are poor and grow mainly grains and rice. This rice and grain cultivation accounts for half of the cultivated land of the Philippine Agriculture and the country.
Land rent somewhat hampered the issue of land and also to some extent production as well. Much of the land that is available for cultivation is part of the estates formed by the Spanish people. Conversion of land and other rules also faced certain difficulties as most of the leaders in the country come from the background of landowner form and provide very little possibility of proper conversion.
The main areas in Philippine Agriculture, where rice and grain are mainly produced, are in the Central Simple Northern part of Manila, and the lowland areas of Luzon. The International Rice Research Institute was established in the year 1960, and this institution has produced varieties of seeds that provide three times the production that conventional seeds. The use of this type of seed crop has made Philippine Agriculture itself dependent in the production of food grains and other necessary grain crops.
Rice and other food crop cultivation needs a large workforce to work hard, which allows a large number of people in the Philippines to involve themselves in cultivation. More than 35 percent of the total workforce is involved in cultivation.
One can also find foods like sweet potatoes, cassava, peanuts - some of the things that are also grown in the Philippines Agriculture, which are usually considered for people who are below the poverty line.
Philippine agriculture also produces a lot of fruits that earn a good amount of foreign exchange and also generates foreign trade for the country.
Mining industry
The Philippines is one of the world's ten largest chromium producers. Ore minerals include gold, copper, nickel, iron, lead, manganese, silver, zinc and cobalt. The identified mineral resources include coal, limestone, and raw materials for the cement industry. Currently, only a small part of the available deposits of industrial importance is exploited. Copper ore is mined mainly on Cebu Island and in the southern part of Negros Island; gold - in northern Luzon and northeastern Mindanao; iron ore - on Samar Island and southeast Luzon; chromite - in western Luzon and northern Mindanao; nickel - in northeastern Mindanao; coal - on Cebu Island and western Mindanao.
An oil field was discovered off the coast of Palawan Island in 1961, and its commercial development began in 1979. However, in 1993, only 2% of the oil consumed was produced in the Philippines.
Energy
Over the past 20 years, the Philippines has been trying to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity. In 1996, 63% of electricity was produced by thermal stations, incl. 42% - liquid fuel, 15% - hydroelectric power plants and 23% - geothermal stations. Hot steam released from the bowels of the earth was first used as an energy source in 1980; the country currently ranks second in the world after the United States in terms of the development of geothermal power. Under Aquino, the earlier construction of a nuclear power plant on the Bataan Peninsula was suspended. In 1992, its construction resumed, and at the same time the possibilities of transferring this station to other primary energy sources were discussed. The problem of electricity supply became particularly acute in 1992, when power outages occurred for 258 days; in May 1993, the duration of such outages averaged 8 hours per day. With the commissioning of new capacities, the energy crisis was overcome.
Manufacturing industry
The sharp increase in the share of manufacturing in exports - from less than 10% in 1970 to 75% in 1993 - has made this sector of the economy the main source of foreign exchange earnings for the Philippines. Electronic equipment and clothing took a particularly important place in exports.
In addition, the Philippine industry produces other consumer goods: food products, beverages, rubber products, footwear, pharmaceuticals, paints, plywood and veneer, paper and paper products, and electrical household appliances. Heavy industry enterprises produce cement, glass, chemicals, fertilizers, ferrous metals, and are involved in oil refining.
The Philippine manufacturing industry attracts numerous foreign investors, mainly from the United States and Japan. Currently, approximately 30% of the assets of the 1,000 largest Philippine corporations are owned by foreigners. During the Aquino-Ramos presidency, Taiwan became a major investor
Transport
Length (in km) of railways: on the island. Luzon - 1.2 thousand, on the island. Panay - 117, on the island. Cebu - 86 (inactive since 1948). National airline PAL; international airports in Manila and on the island. Mactan. The length of asphalt highways is 28.4 thousand km; under construction (1976) Trans-Philippine Highway (Aparri - Davao) with a length of 1.3 thousand km. The fleet (1973) contains about 600 thousand vehicles. The total cargo turnover of the ports is over 40 million tons (1974). The main port is Manila (8.5 million tons, including 4/5 of the country's import and 1/5 of the country's export cargo), other ports are Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Batangas (about 6 million tons, mainly oil) , Davao. Coasting is developed. The tonnage of the national merchant fleet is 0.9 million gross registered tons (1975), the vast majority of foreign trade cargo is transported on foreign ships. The government decided (early 1976) to create a national shipping company.
International trade
About 2/3 of the value of exports comes from agriculture. products: sugar (about 25% of foreign exchange earnings), coconut palm products, mainly oil, timber and lumber, as well as copper concentrates, ores of other non-ferrous and ferrous metals. Imports are dominated by oil, machinery and transport equipment, metals, fertilizers, etc.
The main trading partners are the USA (42.4% of the value of exports and 23.2% of imports in 1974) and Japan (34.8% and 27.5%, respectively). Since 1972, trade relations with socialist countries have been developing. In 1974, 492 thousand foreign tourists visited the country.
6. Population
The Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world. In 2009, more than 92 million people lived in the republic. About 11 million more Filipinos are living outside their historical homeland.
Expected population growth is 1.957% per year.
The average life expectancy of Filipinos is 71.23 years (73.6 for women and 69.8 for men).
Age composition:
· 0-14 years: 35.2% (men 17,606,352/women 16,911,376);
· 15-64 years old: 60.6% (men 29,679,327/women 29,737,919);
· 65 years and over: 4.1% (men 1,744,248/women 2,297,381);
· Average age: 22.5 years (men: 22, women: 23 years).
Ethnic composition
The majority of the population (95%) are Austronesian peoples, Malays, in some places with an admixture of Chinese blood. Ethnically, the closest relatives of the Filipinos are apparently the indigenous inhabitants of Taiwan. 3-4% of Filipinos have European or American ancestors.
Main ethnic groups: Ilocanos (Ilocans), Pangasinan, Pampangans, Tagalogs, Bicols (Bicols), Visayas. In the southern regions of the Philippines live peoples who profess Islam, called Moros in Spanish (i.e., “Moors”).
A very small part of the population (about 30 thousand people) consists of the first indigenous population of the archipelago - the Negritos.
Among the large non-indigenous and mixed population groups, one can note a very large Chinese diaspora, mestizos (a consequence of 300 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines), Mexicans, Americans, Arabs, Indians, Japanese, Jews, Koreans, etc.
Languages
Most of the local languages in the Philippines belong to the Malayo-Polynesian group of Austronesian languages. The most common languages are Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bicol, Kapampangan, Waray-Waray. According to modern ideas, the Philippine languages do not represent some kind of genetic unity, but are combined with some Indonesian languages into the Borneo-Filipino language group.
The official languages are Filipino (Filipino or Pilipino) - essentially a variant of Tagalog - and English.
Until 1973, Spanish was also the official language; several creole languages are based on it, but there are currently not very many native speakers of Spanish in the Philippines.
Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, etc. are also in circulation.
Religion
The Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia. About 80% of the population are Catholics, 10% are Protestants of various denominations. About 5% of the population (mainly in the south of the country) professes Islam. Buddhists make up about 3%.
Filipino values
The Filipinos, throughout their rich history, have developed a set of values that bind them together as a national and cultural unity. The formation of ideals was influenced by many things: Asian origin, geographical isolation, and the influence of foreigners (and especially Christianity). Some Filipino values may seem like weaknesses in today's cynical world, but they continue to be a unifying link.
· Family. Family is the most important thing for a Filipino; it is truly the “unit of society” that forms the basis of the Philippine nation. Filipinos try to live in their clans and work as a family in one place. Filipinos have a special attitude towards old people.
· Politeness. Filipinos are always polite.
· Hospitality. Filipinos always try to offer the best to their guests, even at the expense of themselves.
· Gratitude. The Filipino does not forget about good deeds towards himself and tries to “repay” good for good.
· Shame. For a Filipino, his own reputation or the honor of his family are of great importance and he can do anything just not to feel shame.
· Flexibility, adaptability, resourcefulness. An optimistic outlook on life and the ability to find a way out of difficult situations were important mechanisms that allowed Filipinos to survive in various conditions. Filipinos are tolerant, calmly accept uncertainty, and can adapt to new things.
· Loyalty. Filipinos are faithful in their relationships.
· Work. It is generally accepted that Filipinos are good workers, including in hard physical work. The Filipino is capable of great personal sacrifice.
· Humility. The Filipino is submissive to fate and believes in God.
The informal name for Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad is Pinoy (feminine pinay).
7. Ecology
Unfortunately, environmental problems have not escaped this truly heavenly place. For example, one of the most serious problems in the Philippines is deforestation, the rate of which reaches 3% per year. Slash-and-burn farming has turned many tropical forests into farmland. Most of the deforestation is predatory and illegal. Unique tree species are being exterminated, and islands are being deforested. If in 1946 forests occupied more than 50% of the country's territory, now this figure is less than 40%. For example, almost 30% of the entire surface of Mount Apo has already been converted into banana and pineapple plantations.
Changes in elevation and agricultural expansion have already led to significant soil destruction and regular flooding, especially during the monsoon season. As a result, the soil was severely eroded or overgrown with coarse grass.
Government environmental experts believe that forest cover should be at least 54%. Then the sustainability of all ecosystems will be preserved. Of course, solving this environmental problem is difficult, given that forestry in the Philippine Islands is one of the most important export industries. Still, there are groups of volunteers who plant trees and organize educational programs among the local population. For example, the Philippine Sunshine Movement is engaged in saving the forests of Mount Apo and has achieved good success in this direction.
Another environmental problem in the region is the deterioration of the marine environment and coral reefs. These are inevitable consequences of the rapid development of coastal infrastructure. In addition, in the 1980s, fishing with explosives was very active in the Philippines. This caused irreparable harm to the reefs. However, the state tried to save the reefs from complete extinction by creating the necessary jobs and educational policies.
Significant damage to the marine ecology is also caused by overfishing due to ineffective fisheries management.
Environmental pollution greatly aggravates the environmental situation in the country. Only 10% of wastewater is treated, the rest goes into the sea. Pollution of mangrove swamps, where fish spawn, is leading to the extinction of some species.
Air poisoning from industrial enterprises and heavy gas pollution, as well as smog from burning forests, contribute to the fact that the volume of harmful emissions into the atmosphere in some areas of the country (for example, in Manila) exceeds permissible standards. To solve this environmental problem, the Philippine authorities, through special programs, are purchasing equipment for monitoring air quality and tightening controls. In addition, the government adopts laws and standards, the observance of which should help cope with environmental problems: the Clean Air Act (1999), the Clean Water Act (2005), emission standards for cars and cargo scooters, etc.
The worst environmental situation is in the cities and industrial areas of the Philippines, especially in the capital Manila. On the outskirts and remote islands you can still enjoy wonderful nature.
8. Tourism
The picturesque mountainous terrain of the Philippines and excellent natural conditions have contributed to the development of tourism on these islands. Today they serve as an excellent area for both beach holidays and active sports.
Since tourists with different hobbies and leisure preferences come to the Philippine Islands, it is possible to note the peculiarities of recreation for each category of vacationers.
Diving in the Philippines
Numerous caves and grottoes, the rich underwater world arouse admiration not only among beginners, but also among experienced diving enthusiasts who first arrived in the Philippines. Instructors teach everyone snorkeling (swimming with fins and masks with snorkels) and kiting (boarding with a parachute).
The underwater world is represented by sharks and barracudas, turtles and coral fish, mollusks and starfish, schools of sticky fish, sea cucumbers and many other exotic representatives of the tropical seas. All this can be seen even if you dive to a shallow depth.
There is a special program for diving lovers in the Philippines - a trip to the Cebu archipelago with dives in the area of the islands of Mactan, Olango, Pescador, Badian, inspection of the coral reefs of Tubbatah in the Sulu Sea, as well as many exciting underwater excursions.
Golf in the Philippines
Traditionally, tourists come to the Philippines to participate in golf competitions, as the world's best courses and training facilities have been built here. Golf courses are located in mountainous and flat areas. Each golf club has hotels, equipment stores, restaurants, playgrounds, and recreation rooms. Elite course - Camp John Hay Golf Club is located at an altitude of 5,000 feet above sea level among pine trees, lakes and rocky cliffs.
Hotels and spa centers in the Philippines
Hotels on the islands (4 and 5 star level) will pleasantly surprise you with beautiful comfortable rooms, friendly staff, excellent cuisine, and an abundance of additional services and offers. Each hotel has spa salons that use special wellness programs with elements of Ayurveda, yoga, herbal medicine, and also use sea minerals and algae. The most popular spa hotels among tourists are Tirta SPA in Boracay and Chi SPA in Cebu.
Sights of the Philippine Islands. Organization of excursions
The Philippines has many historically significant places and unique natural areas. Of course, for tourists arriving in the Philippines, there are excursions with visits to the most popular nature reserves, historical and cultural monuments. The chocolate hills on the island of Bohol and the rice terraces of the Ifugao tribe in Banue are visited by all tourists. Such natural phenomena can only be seen here and nowhere else.
Visiting the tomb of Ferdinand Magellan, the Church of St. Augustine, visiting Donsol Bay, sailing along the world's longest underground river St. Paul on the island of Palawan, viewing the islands and lagoons of El Nido from a helicopter, watching dolphins and whales in the waters of the island of Bohol is far from a complete list of excursions organized by travel agencies in the Philippines. Everyone knows that in the Philippines, all tourists strive to take pictures against the backdrop of bright sunsets - this is an amazing sight.
Protected Areas of the Philippines
Admire the Mayon and Pinatubo Volcanoes, visit the tarsier nursery in Bohol, swim with whale sharks, wander through ancient stalactite caves - all this is available to tourists who have purchased a tour to the Philippine Islands.
Of course, tourism in the Philippines is the basis for the formation of the state budget, so there is everything here that can arouse the interest of vacationers. Shopping centers, restaurants, nightclubs, discos, hotels - all establishments operate all year round, welcoming tourists from all over the world. Today, the Philippines and high-class recreation are two inseparable concepts.
Conclusion
The Philippines is the embodiment of every traveler's dream, a paradise on earth, 7107 islands of magnificent beaches with powdered sugar-like white sand, warm blue sea, mild climate, picturesque coral reefs and a rich underwater world, exotic flora and fauna, festivals and carnivals, vibrant nightlife
But the main thing in the Philippines is the people. The Philippines is called the place where Asia “wears” its smile, and this is not surprising since Filipinos have hospitality and kindness in their genes.
Here they say hello and goodbye with the same word - Mabuhay.
So, Mabuhau and welcome to the land of 7107 possibilities!
List of sources used
1. http://philippine.ru/ - portal about the Philippines
3. http://www.svoiludi.ru/philippines.html - recreation and tourism
4. http://xn--j1ahdidh.xn--p1ai/ref/ph/ - vacation.rf
5. http://www.itmgroup.ru - ITMgroup tour operator
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Geographical position
The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia. This is the dream place of every person who dreams of a paradise vacation. White, warm sand, hot sun, azure sea - this is the Philippines.
The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of 7,107 islands. The largest of them are Luzon, Samar, Negros, Leyte, Mindanao, Bohol, Panay, Cebu, Mindoro, and Palawan. The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located on the island of Luzon. However, most of the Philippine islands are very small and do not even have names. The length of the archipelago is about 800 km from east to west and about 1900 km from north to south. The total area of the islands is 300 thousand km, the length of the coastline is about 35,000 km. The islands are washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the South China Sea, and the Sulawesi Sea; in the north, the Philippines is separated from the island of Taiwan by the Bashi Strait.
The highest peak of the country is located on the island of Mindanao, on which a system of submeridial ridges can be traced - Apo Volcano. The height of the volcano is 2594 meters. The highest point of Luxon Island is Mount Pulog (2934 m); the island also has 3 mountain ranges and about 20 periodically active volcanoes. The Brussels Research Center has recognized the Philippines as the most dangerous country in the world.
The climate on the Philippine Islands is monsoonal, tropical, but due to the strong relief, it is heterogeneous. The ambient temperature at any time of the year on the islands is 24-28 °C, a little cooler in mountainous areas.
From November to April is the rainy season in the Philippines. At this time, seasonal winds blow on the island - monsoons. In the northern regions of the country, tsunamis and typhoons are considered quite common occurrences. The amount of precipitation per year is about 1000-1400 mm.
The Philippines can be divided into four regions based on rainfall:
1. Eastern region (eastern coasts of the islands of Bohol, Lusson, Leyte, Sulu archipelago, western and central Mindanao) - precipitation is uniform throughout the year;
2. Western region (western coasts of the islands of Negros, Lusson, Panay, Mindoro, Palawan) - two seasons are distinguished:
Summer-autumn (humid), during which there is heavy rain;
- winter-spring (dry), only about 50-200 mm of precipitation falls;
3. The northeastern coast of the islands of Samar, Luxon, the eastern coast of the islands of Mindanao, Leyte - precipitation falls constantly throughout the year, its amount is 2000-3000 mm, but the maximum amount occurs in November-January. During the summer-autumn period, typhoons rage in Luxon and the Visayas.
4. The northwestern coast of the island of Mindanao, as well as the eastern coast of the islands of Panay, Negros, Mindoro, Cebu - annual precipitation is 1300-1500 mm.
Visas, entry rules, customs rules
To enter the Philippines, Russian citizens do not require a visa, of course, if the period of stay is no more than 21 days. Upon entry, you must present a passport valid for more than 6 months, return tickets, and proof of availability of the required amount for the trip. Upon entry, it is also possible to obtain a visa for 59 days (cost about $50 + $12 (510 pesos)). In other cases, you must contact the Philippine consulate to obtain a visa.
Regarding customs rules.
It is prohibited to import: drugs, any weapons and ammunition (except for those that are tested and have a permit), literature, films, pornographic photographs, counterfeit or undetectable medicines, various fruits, seedlings (only with a special certificate), slot machines, anti-state materials.
It is prohibited to export: gold jewelry (except for your own as specified in the declaration), rare trees, plants, wild birds and animals, ivory, antiques (only with special permission).
It is allowed to transport duty free: 400 cigarettes (or 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars), alcoholic beverages no more than 2 liters, food, personal clothing within the limits of personal needs, foreign currency (amounts over $3,000 are declared), perfumes, cameras, photographic film, present.
Population, political status
The Philippines is a multinational state. Most of the population are Filipinos. The islands are also inhabited by Japanese, Chinese, Americans, and Spaniards. The Philippine islands have a very low level of urbanization - no more than 43% of urban residents. Migrations mainly occur from the overpopulated north to the south, as well as from rural areas to cities.
In 2007, the population of the Philippines was 91.1 million people (2005 - 87.9 million people). The largest ethnic group, the Tagalogs, make up only 28% of the population. The country has two official languages - English and Pilipino (based on Tala).
Most of the population uses English in education, science, and the press, but exclusively as a second language. Tal language is indigenous. Spanish, Chinese and Chabacano (Isan Creole) are also spoken. In total, no more than 5% of residents speak these languages.
Due to the high birth rate (3.11 per woman), most of the population - 61% - are people from 15 to 64 years old; children under 14 years old - 35%; people over 65 years old - 4%. The population is mostly young. The average age in the country is 22.5 years.
What to see
1. Island hopping is the best way to get to know the Philippines. On such a trip you can see caves, lagoons, empty beaches, volcanoes, underground rivers, mountains, mangrove forests and hills. For such a trip it is not at all necessary to fly by plane; it will be enough to hire a small boat, motor boat or speedboat with a guide, and sometimes you just need to take a mask, fins and swim to the neighboring island.
2. Rice terraces in Banaue.
Banaue is called the eighth miracle of the set, this is not surprising, because the rice fields are located on the slopes of the mountains at an altitude of more than 150 meters above sea level. More than 2,000 years ago, the fields were created by hand by the Ifugao Indians. This is an amazingly beautiful and extremely unusual place. No wonder it is under the protection of UNESCO.
3. Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
It's hard to imagine, but there is a place in the world where more than 1,200 hills of varying heights are covered with chocolate-colored grass. In fact, these are round limestone formations that are overgrown with sun-bleached grass. Outwardly, they are very similar to chocolate truffles. This unique area is under state protection as a nature reserve.
The largest city in the Philippines, Manila, is located on the island of Luzon. It is the capital of the state, as well as an economic and cultural center. Manila has museums, churches, ancient houses, and a botanical garden. Tourists can take excursions around Manila, folklore shows and air safaris are organized.
The islands offer almost all types of tourism - extreme, beach, ecological, educational, sports. Tourists can take cruises, diving and surfing.
The islands are home to many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. The largest and most interesting for tourists are Mount Apo, Taal, Mayon Volcano, Kanlaon, located on the islands of Luzon and Mindanao.
The largest resorts in the Philippines are located on the islands of Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol.
Tourism in the country is negatively affected by the unstable political situation and conflicts between the Christian and Muslim communities. In addition, the climate does not allow sufficient development of beach tourism.
The Philippine archipelago was first put on the world map by the famous Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The Philippines was later conquered by the Spaniards, who dominated the Philippines from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The archipelago was named after King Philip II of Spain - Felipinas. And on June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared its independence. After the end of Spanish rule, the Philippines came under US influence. The battle for independence continued. In 1905 the war ended and in 1935 a constitution was adopted by the Commonwealth government. At the beginning of World War II, the Philippine Islands were captured by the Japanese. But in 1945, the Americans managed to liberate the Philippines, and on July 4, 1946, the country gained independence.
International trade
Before World War II, exports typically exceeded imports. After the war, a constant trade deficit led to the need to establish control over foreign trade operations. In the early 1960s, most restrictions were lifted. In 2003, $35.97 billion was spent on imports. USA, while exports brought in $34.56 billion. Electronic equipment, industrial and transport equipment, textiles, coconut palm products, copper and fish are exported from the country. Raw materials, fuel and petroleum products, industrial goods and equipment, and consumer goods are imported. Main trading partners: USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other ASEAN countries, Taiwan.
The shops
Stores in the Philippines are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 19:00.
Manila is one of the cheapest cities in the world. Shopping centers and shops in the city sell a lot of clothes, shoes and jewelry, not only cheap, but also of quite high quality. Clothes are manufactured under license from well-known world brands, but they are much cheaper here than in branded stores in other countries, although the quality of items made in the Philippines is no different from the original. The most popular and at the same time the largest shopping centers are: SM, Robinson, Greenhills. They are located in the center of Manila.
Demography
As of July 2004, the population of the Philippines was 86 million 241 thousand 697 people. The annual population growth in 2004 was 1.9%. OK. 36% of residents are under 15 years old, 60% are between 15 and 64 years old, 4% are 65 years old and older. The average age of Filipinos is 22.1 years. The birth rate was estimated at 25.8 per 1000, mortality at 5.53 per 1000, emigration at 1.5 per 1000. Average life expectancy - 69.6 years (for men - 66.74 years; for women - 72.61 of the year). Infant mortality is 24.24 per 1000 births.
Over 57% of Filipinos live in cities. The largest of them are Manila (the capital; the Greater Manila agglomeration has up to 11 million inhabitants and also includes the cities of Quezon City, Pasay, Caloocan, Makati and others), Davao (the center of the southern island of Mindanao, over 1 million inhabitants) , Cebu (center of the Visayas, about 700 thousand inhabitants), Zamboanga (Mindanao island, over 500 thousand inhabitants), Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao island, over 400 thousand inhabitants) , Bacolod (Negros Island, over 400 thousand inhabitants), Iloilo (Panay Island, about 350 thousand inhabitants) and others.
Industry
The manufacturing industry is the Philippines' main source of foreign exchange earnings. The main items exported are electronic equipment and clothing.
In addition to clothing and electronics, the Philippines produces other consumer goods: beverages, food products, footwear, rubber products, veneer and plywood, paper and paper products, medicines, household appliances, and paints.
Heavy industry enterprises produce glass, cement, fertilizers, ferrous metals, chemical products, and refine oil.
The Philippine manufacturing industry has attracted foreign investors, particularly from the United States and Japan. Today, about 30% of the assets of the largest corporations in the Philippines are controlled by foreign owners.
Flora and fauna
More than half of the Philippines is covered with tropical rain forests, in which palm trees, apitong, lauan, rubber, banyan, mayapis, and cinnamon, orchids, and bamboo are common. Shrubs and meadows are found at an altitude of over 1200 from sea level. Most of the islands were originally covered with forests, which included more than 600 species of trees, about 100 of which are still of commercial value.
The country's fauna is very diverse. Among the animals, the most common are mongooses, deer, and wild boars. Philippine waters are home to various types of fish and shellfish (there are shellfish capable of forming pearls). About 800 species of birds have been recorded.
Banks and money
The Philippines is made up of many separate islands, so air transport is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the country. Trips by sea are made over short distances. In cities, cars are used for transportation.
The country has several modern international airports. Several airlines have deals on domestic flights. Jets fly between major cities, and small planes with a capacity of 15-20 people fly short distances.
Most of the islands are connected by ferry.
There is only one railway line in the Philippines, the total length of which is only 897 km. The trains are old, so they reach low speeds.
The ground transport used is the subway, taxis, buses and so-called jeepneys - something in common between a minibus and a jeep.
It is better to travel within cities by car. If you come to the country on vacation, it is better to use the services of a personal driver, since it is very easy to get lost on city streets.
Taxis are common everywhere. The fare is 12-15 pesos per kilometer. They don't give change in taxis, so it's better to pay in small bills.
Minerals
The Philippine Islands are among the world's ten largest chromium producers. Copper, gold, lead, iron, nickel, silver, zinc, cobalt and some others are also mined in the republic. Limestone, coal, and raw materials used in the cement industry are mined from the local subsoil.
The main crop as more than 75 percent of the people in the country prefer rice. Because most farmers are poor and grow mainly grains and rice. This rice and grain cultivation accounts for half of the cultivated land of the Philippine Agriculture and the country.
Land rent somewhat hampered the issue of land and also to some extent production as well. Much of the land that is available for cultivation is part of the estates formed by the Spanish people. Conversion of land and other rules also faced certain difficulties as most of the leaders in the country come from the background of landowner form and provide very little possibility of proper conversion.
The main areas in Philippine Agriculture, where rice and grain are mainly produced, are in the Central Simple Northern part of Manila, and the lowland areas of Luzon. The International Rice Research Institute was established in the year 1960, and this institution has produced varieties of seeds that provide three times the production that conventional seeds. The use of this type of seed crop has made Philippine Agriculture itself dependent in the production of food grains and other necessary grain crops.
Rice and other food crop cultivation needs a large workforce to work hard, which allows a large number of people in the Philippines to involve themselves in cultivation. More than 35 percent of the total workforce is involved in cultivation.
One can also find foods like sweet potatoes, cassava, peanuts - some of the things that are also grown in the Philippines Agriculture, which are usually considered for people who are below the poverty line. Philippine agriculture also produces a lot of fruits that earn a good amount of foreign exchange and also generates foreign trade for the country.
As elsewhere in the world, tipping is encouraged, but not required. Almost all workers expect tips for any job, even the simplest one. If the client is satisfied with the work, he pays a tip of 5-10% of the check amount. It happens that the check contains a “+” sign - this means that the tip is included in the bill, and if there is a “++” sign, it means that 10% VAT is included in the check amount.
As a dessert, they serve the so-called “halo-halo” - a mixture of ice with sweets, fruits and condensed milk.
Sport.
Cockfighting is the Sami's favorite local sport, and basketball is the favorite foreign sport. The Filipinos have achieved great success in boxing, in the lightweight and super-lightweight divisions. The Amateur Athletic Federation often takes part in the Olympic Games. In addition, the game of chess is well developed in the Philippines.
Holidays.
The most significant holiday for the local population is Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on June 12. Other holidays that are celebrated include: Bataan Day (April 9), commemorating the steadfastness of Philippine-American troops in World War II; National Hero's Day (or Bonifacio Day, November 30); Rizal Day (December 30).
Christmas and Easter are the main Christian holidays. Also, in every city there is a holiday in honor of the patron saint. The Muslim part of the Philippines celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
Geographical position
The state of the Philippines occupies the Philippine Islands, which are part of the Malay Archipelago. The largest of more than 7,100 islands belonging to the Philippines are Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Panay, Palawan, Negros, Mindoro, Leyte, Bohol, Cebu.
The length of the Philippine archipelago from north to south is about 2000 km, from west to east – 900 km. In the west, the islands are washed by the South China Sea, in the east - by the Philippine Sea, in the south - by the Sulawesi Sea, in the north, the Philippine Islands are separated from the island of Taiwan by the Bashi Strait. The length of the coastline is 36.3 thousand km. The total area of the islands is 299.7 thousand km².
The relief of the islands consists mainly of mountains, the highest of which, Apo Volcano (2954 m), is located on the island of Mindanao. The mountain ranges are of volcanic origin, since the archipelago is located at the junction of the continental and oceanic lithospheric plates and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is characterized by increased seismicity and volcanism. Deep sea trenches and volcanic islands are a distinctive feature of the Philippines. Off the coast of the island of Mindanao lies the Philippine Trench with a depth of up to 10,830 m - one of the deepest in the world's oceans.
Climate
In general, the climate of the Philippines is tropical, monsoonal, but due to the highly dissected relief, it is heterogeneous.
The air temperature in the Philippine Islands is stable all year round. The difference between the hottest and coolest months in the north is 4o C, and in the south it is even less. The average annual temperature on the plains is about 27o C.
Based on the amount and seasonal distribution of precipitation, four regions are distinguished:
1. In the eastern regions of the Philippine archipelago (the eastern coast of Luzon, Bohol and Leyte, central and western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago) precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.
2. In the western regions of the country (in the west of the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Palawan, Negros) there are two seasons: winter-spring dry - 50-200 mm of precipitation (October - April) and summer-autumn wet (from April to October intense rain caused by strong southwest winds).
3. In the northeast of Luzon, about. Samar, the east of the islands of Leyte and Mindanao receive precipitation all year round, but their maximum occurs in November - January. During the summer and autumn months, typhoons periodically strike Luzon and the Visayas from the east and northeast. Catastrophic floods are associated with prolonged heavy rains. The annual precipitation in this area is 2000-4000 mm.
4. The area including the eastern regions of the islands of Mindoro, Panay, Negros, Cebu and the northwest of the island. Minandao is characterized by an average annual rainfall of 1300-1500 mm and a short, relatively dry period.
Flora and fauna
On the Philippine Islands, the vegetation is rich and diverse and has more than 10 thousand species. This is about 3 thousand trees, 1 thousand ferns and pteridophytes, 900 species of orchids. About 60 species of tree species are of commercial value. Forests occupy more than 40% of the country's territory.
Of the large mammals in the Philippines, there are two subspecies of the Asian buffalo - the carabao and the tamaraw (the latter is found only in the central regions of the island of Mindoro). Smaller mammals are somewhat more widely represented. These include five species of macaques, tarsier (a representative of prosimians), rodents, numerous bats (about 60 species, including fruit bats that cause great damage to gardens) and shrews, as well as Javan deer (or dwarf musk deer) and porcupine living on Palawan island, Philippine woolly wing, pangolin lizard. Among the predatory animals there are such small animals as the short-legged mongoose, binturong, and strange-tailed mongoose. Characterized by an abundance of reptiles (crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lizards, including geckos). Several hundred bird species have been recorded in the Philippines. More than 300 species of birds nest here, including a rare bird of prey from the hawk family - the harpy (lives in the forests of the island of Mindanao and feeds on macaques). The species diversity of insects is enormous, among which there are many carriers of diseases (for example, mosquitoes) and agricultural pests (cycads, etc.). The variety and beauty of butterflies is amazing.
There are more than 2 thousand species of fish in the seas, many of which are of commercial importance (sardines, mackerel, tuna, etc.). In the shallow waters of the Sulu Archipelago, large colonies of mollusks, including pearl mussels, are found.
Regions
The Philippine archipelago consists of more than seven thousand islands. It is conventionally divided into island groups: Luzon in the north and west, Visayas (Visayans, Visayas) in the center and Mindanao in the south.
The Luzon group includes the main islands: Luzon, Palawan, Mindoro, Sibuyan, Busuanga, Coron, the Babuyan archipelago, etc.
The Visayans include: Cebu, Panay, Negros, Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Boracay, etc.
Mindanao includes the following islands: Mindanao, Basilan, etc.
Manila, o. Luzon
Luzon is the largest (area 104,688 km2) island of the Philippine archipelago and the 15th largest island in the world. It is located in the northern part of the Philippine Islands. With the adjacent islands, it forms the island group of the same name (Luzon), one of three parts, along with the Visayas and Mindanao, which make up the Philippines.
In addition to the island of Luzon, the Luzon island group includes the following islands: Mindoro, Palawan(the assignment to Luzon is not clear, sometimes it is considered to be Visayas), Busuanga, Coron, Sibuyan, Babuyan Archipelago, etc.
From the west, Luzon is washed by the South China Sea, and from the east by the Philippine Sea.
Features of Luzon Island
The relief of the island of Luzon is complex, with a combination of mountains, intermountain and coastal plains. The largest mountain range in the Philippines, the Cordillera, is located here. The highest point of the island (the second highest in the country) is Mount Pulag, 2922 m. There are active volcanoes on Luzon, including the famous Mayon and Taal volcanoes. The largest lake in the Philippines, Laguna de Bay, is also located in Luzon.
The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located on Manila Bay on the island of Luzon.
Manila is the capital of the Philippines, it is the largest (if you count the metropolis with its surrounding suburbs) city in the country, its economic, political and cultural center. The city was founded by the Spaniards on June 24, 1571 at the confluence of the Pasig River into Manila Bay of the South China Sea on the basis of an already existing settlement of local residents.
Manila has long merged with neighboring cities and towns, forming one of the largest (estimated number of inhabitants - 20 million) megacities on Earth - Metro Manila or the National Capital Region, the only Philippine region not divided into provinces . Metro Manila consists of a number of cities, the largest of which is not Manila itself, but Quezon City, the former capital of the Philippines (from 1948 to 1976).
The city of Manila itself is divided into districts:
Binondo
· Intramuros
· Quiapo
Malate
Paco
Pandacan
Port Area
· Sampaloc
· San Andres
· San Miguel
· San Nicolas
· Santa Ana
· Santa Cruz
· Santa Mesa
· Tondo
Ermita
In Manila, 7 km from the city center, there is the largest international airport in the Philippines - Ninoy (Benigno) Aquino Airport (NAIA - Ninoy Aquino International Airport). The domestic airport is also 1 km from the international airport.
Main attractions of Manila: Intramuros (old city), Fort Santiago, Luneta (Rizal Park), St. Augustine Church (1587), Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Zoo, etc.
Cebu Island
Cebu, the "Queen of the South", attracts tourists with its combination of the country's rich history, stunning beaches and resorts, vibrant nightlife and the hospitality of the locals.
Location of Cebu Island
Cebu Island is located in the central part of the Philippine archipelago (belongs to the Visayas island group), east of Negros Island and west of Leyte. To the southeast of Cebu is the island of Bohol. Just to the west of the northern tip of Cebu lies the small island of Bantayan, popular as a beach holiday center, and to the east is the small island of Malapasca, famous among divers.
Cebu is an elongated island, stretching 225 km from north to south and up to 45 km wide. Area – about 4486 km2.
The western and eastern coasts of the island are separated by a mountain range that rises to heights of about 1000 m.
Together with the surrounding islands, the main of which is Mactan, the island of Cebu makes up the province of the same name in the Philippines.
The capital of the island of Cebu, Cebu City (Cebu City), located on the eastern shore, opposite the island of Mactan, is the second largest and oldest city in the Philippines.
Features of Cebu
Cebu is perhaps the most historically significant island in the Philippines. Here in 1521 the great navigator Ferdinand Magellan dropped his anchor on the shores. Having become involved in tribal feuds, he was killed by the leader of the neighboring island of Mactan. In 1886, a monument was erected at the site of the death of the famous Portuguese. It is curious that in the same square there is a monument to the leader Lapu-Lapu, who killed Magellan. If Magellan is revered as having discovered Europe and Christianity to the Filipinos, then Lapu-Lapu, according to local residents, is the first fighter against Spanish colonialism. This is dialectic in Filipino.
Success in colonization was given to another conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. According to legend, at the site of Magellan's death in 1565, he founded the city of Cebu, the first city in the Philippines, their first capital. Legazpi baptized the local population and Cebu has since been considered the cradle of Christianity in the East.
Cebu has the oldest Spanish fortress, the very first street, the first school, etc.
Even with the transfer of the capital to Manila, Cebu continued to maintain a dominant role in the southern region, being the main local port and main market. The basis of the economy was created by agriculture and, above all, the cultivation of sugar cane.
Boracay Island
Boracay is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Boracay is famous for its extraordinary snow-white beaches with fine silky sand similar to flour, exotic tropical nature, natural caves, and the purest emerald sea, home to dozens of species of corals, including unique blue corals inhabited by colorful tropical fish.
Location of Boracay Island
Boracay is located in the central part of the Philippine archipelago, 315 km south of Manila and 2 km from the northern tip of Panay Island.
Boracay is a small, elongated island, 7 km long and about 1 km in the middle. The area is just over 10 km2. The highest point is Mount Laho - about 100 m above sea level.
Features of Boracay
The original population of Boracay Island was the dark-skinned Ati tribe.
Boracay has gained fame only recently. It was “discovered” by independent tourists in the 1980s. and this piece of paradise began to gradually gain popularity and is now considered almost the best beach holiday destination in the Philippines.
Velvety white sand and clear sea water have given it the title of one of the best beach resorts in the world. You can ride a Philippine six-oar boat or go diving (there are at least 12 diving centers on the island). There is a row of comfortable hotels right on the ocean shore. In Boracay you can visit the SPA center and play golf. Everywhere on the shore there are restaurants with a wide variety of world cuisines and local delicacies.
Boracay is considered the capital of nightlife and offers a wide variety of concerts and parties. Night bars, discos, restaurants, karaoke are located along the walking road.
Bulabog Beach has a fairly steady wind, so this place is actively used by fans of windsurfing and, especially, kite surfing. Boracay has many kite surfing schools and equipment rentals for kiters.
Palawan Island
Palawan is the westernmost of the major islands of the Philippines and the center of the province of the same name.
In 2007, National Geographic Traveler named Palawan the top island vacation destination in East and Southeast Asia and the 13th best island in the world. Palawan was also named among the must-visit destinations in 2011.
Location of Palawan Island
Palawan is located in the west of the Philippine archipelago, between the islands. Kalimantan (Borneo), which belongs to Indonesia and Malaysia in the southwest and the Philippine island. Mindoro in the northeast. It is separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. To the south of Palawan is the South China Sea, and the Sulu Sea separates Palawan from the middle part of the Philippine Islands.
Palawan is usually classified as part of the northern part of the Philippine archipelago, the Luzon island group. It is included in the Mimaropa region or (Region IV-B). In 2005, there was an attempt to transfer Palawan to the Western Visayas (VI) region and thus to the Visayas island group, but the decision appears to have never been implemented, so Palawan's regional identity is an open question.
With the surrounding islands, Palawan forms the province of the same name, the largest in area in the Philippines. The province of Palawan consists of about 1,780 islands from Mindoro to Borneo. Coral reefs with a total area of 11,000 km 2 are hidden under the water column.
Geologically, Palawan is a continuation of the island of Kalimantan (Borneo), which belongs to Indonesia and Malaysia. Once upon a time, Palawan was one with Kalimantan. And now the flora and fauna of these islands have many similar species, but Palawan differs significantly from other islands of the Philippine archipelago in biological diversity.
The length of Palawan is 425 km with a width ranging from 8.5 to 40 km. Area – 14896 km.2
Features of Palawan Island
The capital of Palawan is the only highly urbanized settlement on the island, Puerto Princesa, named after the Spanish Princess Eulalia.
There is no reliable information about the origin of the name of the island of Palawan. The word is believed to have Chinese roots, "pao-lao-yu" meaning "country with convenient harbors." The fact is that Chinese traders (X-XI centuries) were the first to explore Palawan. Until 1903, Palawan was called Paragua.
Palawan is recognized as a natural reserve of world significance: majestic cliffs, impenetrable jungles, mangrove forests, primeval caves, a rich underwater world, underground rivers, wild beaches, exotic flora and fauna: scaly anteater and mouse deer.
One of the world's longest underground rivers flows along the archipelago's west coast, and Ursula Island is designated a fish and wildlife sanctuary. It is home to rare, critically endangered sea turtles and the sea cow, the rarest mammal in the world. There is a crocodile farm in the central part of the island.
The island of Palawan is created for those who want to retire on the shore of a cozy bay among dense exotic vegetation. Ideal for a relaxing family holiday, as well as for those who want to enjoy water sports.
All the natural wonders of Palawan province are concentrated in El Nido - one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. The islands of Anilao, Puerto Galera, Balicasag are ideal places for diving, snorkeling and underwater photography. Pagsanyan is the site of the famous Pagsanyan waterfall and river rapids.
El Nido resort (Spanish: nest, hiding place, refuge) is one of the most picturesque island resorts, part of the archipelago of the same name, the El Nido Marine Reserve. Majestic limestone cliffs, amazingly beautiful coral gardens where bright tropical fish frolic, lush greenery of the virgin jungle. The El Nido Marine Sanctuary in northern Palawan is home to all of the island's geological and underwater natural wonders.
Limestone cliffs have protected the bays and lagoons for about 250 million years. The diversity of local fish and coral species is incalculable. El Nido is made up of many small islands, most of them uninhabited. Each is easily accessible by boat - so you can spend the day on your own private beach, sunbathing, diving and swimming in the lagoons. The forests of El Nido are home to more than a hundred species of birds, most of which can only be seen in Palawan.
In 1934, the world's largest pearl (Lao Tzu's Pearl), with a diameter of 24 cm and a weight of 6.4 kg, was found in Palawan.
One of the James Bond films, Tomorrow Never Dies, was filmed in Palawan.
Mindoro Island
Mindoro, the seventh largest island of the Philippine archipelago, gets its name from the Spanish Mina de Oro - “gold mine”.
Mindoro is an interesting and picturesque island. One of the advantages of the northern coast of Mindoro, popular among tourists, is its accessibility from the capital of the Philippines - Manila (an hour and a half by ferry from Luzon Island).
R location of the island of Mindoro
Mindoro is located south of the island of Luzon, separated from it by the Verde Strait. Mindoro is part of the Luzon island group.
Features of the island of Mindoro
Mindoro is a predominantly mountainous island. The highest point of Mindoro is the city of Halcon ("Alcon, Halcon"), 2582 m.
The area of the island is 9.8 thousand km 2.
Administratively, Mindoro is divided into two provinces - Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.
The island of Mindoro is famous for the dwarf variety of Asian buffalo - tamarao.
Residents of Mindoro mainly speak Tagalog; Taglish is common in tourist centers; many speak English.
Mindoro attracts divers, lovers of country holidays, and fans of seafood cuisine.
Negros Island
Negros is the fifth largest island in the Philippine archipelago. The island received its name from the Spaniards either because of the color of the black rocks or because of the original dark-skinned population - the Negritos. The Filipinos themselves call Negros Buglas, literally “cut off.”
Negros is interesting primarily for diving enthusiasts, as well as for tourists who prefer quiet beaches with volcanic sand, inexpensive and comfortable accommodation and trips through the jungle, mountain rivers and waterfalls to noisy resorts.
Location of Negros Island
Negros Island is located in the center of the archipelago between Panay and Cebu and belongs to the Visayas.
Negros is separated from the island of Panay by the Guimaras Strait, and from Cebu by the Tanon Strait.
The area of Negros Island is about 13.3 thousand km 2.
The highest point of Negros is Kanlaon Volcano (2435 m) in the northern part of the island, one of the most active Philippine volcanoes. In general, Negros is distinguished by volcanic activity; even electricity is generated here at geothermal stations.
Features of Negros Island
Administratively, ethnically and linguistically, Negros is divided into two parts - the provinces of Cebuano-speaking Negros Oriental (Negros Oriental) and Hiligay-speaking Negros Occidental (Negros Occidental). The main city of Eastern Negros is Dumaguete, and the main city of Western Negros is Bacolod.
The main resort of Negros, offering beach holidays, various entertainment, golf and diving is Dumaguete.
Political structure
The current Philippine Constitution was adopted in 1987 after approval by a general referendum.
The Philippines is a presidential republic with a bicameral Congress and an independent judiciary. The head of state and government and commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces is the president. The President, according to the constitution, is elected for a 6-year term by universal suffrage of Filipino citizens who have reached the age of 18. A vice president is elected simultaneously with the president for the same term.
The Philippine Congress consists of two chambers: the Senate of 24 senators and the House of Representatives (no more than 250 members). Congress is the highest legislative body of the country.
The highest judicial body of the Philippines is the Supreme Court (14 chief justices appointed by the President).
Local authorities are elected provincial councils headed by governors. Cities and municipalities are governed by councils headed by mayors. Municipalities are divided into barangays.
Administrative division
Island groups
Since the Philippines is an island country, administrative divisions are often based on geographic divisions. The Philippines is conventionally divided into three large island groups: Luzonna in the north and west, Visayas (Visayans, Visayas) in the center and Mindanao in the south.
The Luzon group includes the main islands: Luzon, Palawan, Mindoro, Sibuyan, Busuanga, Coron, the Babuyan archipelago, etc.
The Visayas include: Cebu, Panay, Negros Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Boracay, etc.
Mindanao includes the following islands: Mindanao, Basilan, etc.
Administrative division
The largest units of administrative division of the Philippine Republic are regions that do not have their own governing bodies (except for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao). Regions (except for the Capital Region) consist of main administrative units - provinces. Provinces are divided into municipalities and incorporated cities, and these, in turn, are divided into elementary administrative units - barangays (communities).
In total, the Philippines has 17 regions, 80 provinces, about 1,495 municipalities and almost 42 thousand barangays.
Currency
Currency unit
The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine pesos(in Filipino "piso", piso), equal to 100 centavos or centimos.
The birthday of the Philippine peso is called May 1, 1852, when the Spanish-Philippine Bank issued the so-called. “hard pesos” (Spanish: pesos fuertes), which replaced the reals that had previously circulated in the Philippines.
Designation
The international code for the Philippine Peso is PHP. Pesos can also be denoted simply by the Latin letter P. For the Philippine peso, a special sign has been developed - the letter “p” crossed out twice, but they can also be crossed out with a single line: P. The peso sign is often placed in front of the amount, for example P1,000 - one thousand pesos, P50 - fifty pesos. The centavo sign (c) is always placed after the amount: 10c – ten centavos.
Banknotes, coins
The price level in the Philippine Islands is quite low, so mostly small denominations of 5, 10, 20 pesos are in use. Banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos. Banknotes of 5 and 10 pesos have not been printed for a long time; they are gradually being replaced by coins of the same denominations, but the old banknotes are still in use.
Banknote size – 160×66 mm. Almost all banknotes have two or more modifications. The banknotes of the new series are decorated with the signatures of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Central Bank Governor Rafael Buenaventura.
There is also a larger 2,000 pesos commemorative note.
The giant (in geometric sense) banknote of 1998 with a face value of 100 thousand pesos and measuring 216x356 mm can be called a curiosity. Due to its size, the banknote is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
There are coins in 5, 10 and 25 centavos, 1, 5 and 10 pesos. The 5 centavo coin has a hole in the center. The 10 peso coin is very similar in appearance to the bimetallic 2 euro coin.
Currency exchange
Exchange rates close to the official ones are offered only by banks in the capital, Manila. In provincial centers, courses are much worse. The import of foreign currency is not limited. You can take out up to 1000 pesos from the Philippines.
Credit cards, checks
International credit cards and checks Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Dinners Club are accepted at all major institutions.
Difficulties, dangers, tips
Of all the foreign currencies in the Philippines, American dollars are the most popular and there are the fewest problems with their exchange. On the black exchange market, large denomination bills are valued more highly, while one-dollar bills are viewed with distrust.
I. General information
The official name is the Republic of the Philippines. The capital is Manila. The territory of the Philippines is 300.7 thousand km 2, the population is 86.24 million people. (2004). The government structure is a presidential republic. The Philippines is one of the countries in the group of newly industrialized countries (NIEs). The Philippines achieved independence on July 4, 1946 from the United States. National holiday – June 12 – Independence Day (from Spain in 1898). The head of state and government is the president.
The highest legislative body is the bicameral Congress, which consists of the Senate (24 members) (upper house) and the House of Representatives (250 members, 200 of which are elected and 50 appointed by the president from a list of political parties and public organizations (lower house); The Senate is elected for a 6-year term, and half of the Senate members are re-elected every 3 years. House of Representatives - for 3 years. In the judicial system, the highest judicial body is the Supreme Court. Its members (the Chief Justice and 14 members) are appointed by the President of the Philippines.
The Philippines is divided into 79 provinces and 116 self-governing cities. For ease of planning. development and coordination of administrative activities of the province are united into 17 economic and administrative regions. Of these regions, two have autonomous status: the Autonomous Muslim Region of Mindanao and Greater Manila. Provinces are governed by elected councils headed by governors. Regions - with the exception of autonomous ones - do not have their own administration. Provinces, in turn, are divided into cities and municipalities. They, like autonomous cities, are governed by councils headed by mayors. Municipalities and cities are composed of barangays (the lowest local administrative unit containing one or more villages or towns).
II. Economic-geographical location
The Philippines is an island country in Southeast Asia, located in the Philippine Islands of the Malay Archipelago. The length of the archipelago from north to south is about 1800 km, and from west to east – 1100 km. The largest of the more than 7,100 islands belonging to the Philippines are: Luzon (105 thousand km 2), Mindanao (95 thousand km 2). Other major islands are Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol and Masbate. The length of the coastline is 36,289 km. The total area is 300.7 thousand km2. Land area – 298,170 km2. In the east and northeast, the shores of the Philippines are washed by the Philippine Sea, and in the west and northwest the country is separated from the mainland by the South China Sea, in the south it is separated from Indonesia by the Sulawesi Sea, and from Malaysia by the Sulu Sea.
The Philippine Islands are characterized by an indented coastline and a large number of convenient bays, which predetermined the development of the entire maritime economy. For many centuries, the island position protected the Philippines from outside penetration and contributed to the formation and preservation of a unique tradition and culture. The location of the country far from the main economic centers to a certain extent hampered economic development. However, the rapid economic growth of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region in the second half of the 20th century. allowed the country to experience moderate economic growth due to remittances from overseas Filipinos, the development of information technology and the availability of cheap labor.
III. Historical and geographical features of the country's development
Pre-colonial period. The first people are believed to have come to the Philippines via land bridges linking the future archipelago with Taiwan and Borneo in the late Pleistocene (about 200,000 BC).
After 3000 BC Mongoloid Malay-Austronesian peoples arrived in the Philippines by sea, pushing the Australoids deeper into the islands. This migration occurred in waves and lasted for several millennia. The development of the Philippine tribes was facilitated by intensive contacts with traders and sailors from other countries. Indian influence penetrated into the Philippines through Indonesia. The islands were part of the sphere of trade and cultural contacts of the largest Indianized powers of Sumatra and Java - Srivijaya (7th-11th centuries) and Majapahit (13th-15th centuries).
Long before the beginning of our era. The Philippines was known to Chinese sailors and traders. Contacts with China became stable and systematic in the 9th century. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Chinese trading colonies settled along the coast. They exported wax, pearls and mother-of-pearl, tree resin, abaca cloth, betel nuts, coconuts and fruits, and delivered porcelain, glass, and ceramics. weapons, paper and gold items.
Chinese influence left a deep mark on the culture, way of life, languages and economic life of the peoples of the archipelago.
In the 14th–15th centuries, ties with the countries of Southeast Asia and Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, Siam) intensively developed.
Spanish conquest. In 1521, a Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan landed in the Philippines and circumnavigated the world. She declared the islands the possession of Spain and entered into an agreement with the ruler of Cebu. However, the Spanish detachment was defeated, Magellan died, and the Spaniards were forced to leave the islands. However, new expeditions followed from the 1530s (members of the López de Villalobos expedition in 1543 named the archipelago the Philippine Islands in honor of the Spanish Crown Prince Philip, the future King Philip II).
Administratively, the Philippines was declared part of the Spanish colony of New Spain (Mexico) and was governed by a governor subordinate to the Mexican Viceroy.
By the middle of the sixteenth century. Most nationalities were at the stage of a communal-tribal system, except for small principalities, where feudal relations began to take shape.
As a result of the Philippine national liberation revolution (1896-1998), an independent Philippine republic was created. Under the pretext of “providing assistance,” the United States landed its troops and turned the Philippines into a colony (1899-1901), but in 1934 they were forced to provide the country. In 1946, independence was declared. Predatory exploitation of the forest resources of the islands has led to an increase in soil erosion and mud avalanches. The new government after the overthrow of President Marcos faced many problems, environmental and economic.
Japanese occupation and resistance.
IV. Economic assessment of natural conditions and resources
Relief. The largest islands that make up the Philippines are mountainous (height up to 2954 m). This is especially pronounced in Luzon, on the island of Mindanao. All these mountain structures are part of a belt of active volcanoes that stretches in the marginal zone of the Pacific Ocean and is called the “Pacific Ring of Fire.” On Luzon there are approx. 20 periodically active volcanoes. Thus, in June 1991, a series of catastrophic eruptions of Mount Pinatubo (1780 m) occurred, resulting in the destruction of houses and numerous casualties. In February 1993, Mayon, the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupted.
Between the mountain ranges are densely populated plains and river valleys. The largest of them include: on Luzon the Cagayan River Valley (in the northeast), the Central Plain and the Bicol Plain (in the southeast); on the island of Mindanao – the valleys of the Agusan (in the east) and Mindanao (in the southwest) rivers; on Panay Island - Central Plain. In addition, narrow coastal plains stretch along the coasts of most islands.
Hydrography. There are few large rivers in the Philippines. Some of them, suitable for small vessels, play an important role in economic life. The largest river is Cagayan. Pampanga and Agno on Luzon, as well as Agusan and Mindanao with its main tributary Pulangi on the island of Mindanao, also stand out. The small Pasig River on Luzon, flowing from Bai Lake and passing through Manila, is important for the transport of goods.
There are more than 2 thousand species of fish in the seas, many of which are of commercial importance (sardines, mackerel, tuna, etc.). In the shallow waters of the Sulu Archipelago, large colonies of mollusks, including pearl mussels, are found.
Climate. In general, the climate of the Philippines is tropical and subequatorial, monsoonal, but due to the strong dissected relief, different exposure of slopes in relation to wet monsoon flows and tropical cyclone tracks, and the degree of remoteness of the area from the ocean, it is heterogeneous. From June to October, typhoons hit the islands, causing significant damage.
The air temperature in the Philippine Islands is stable all year round. The difference between the hottest and coolest months in the north is 4°C, and in the south it is even less. The average annual temperature on the plains is about 27° C.
Annual rainfall in the Philippines usually exceeds 2000 mm.
Soils. In the Philippines, there are mainly lateritic red soils and yellow soils; in the mountains there are mountain chestnut and mountain podzolic soils. All of them are usually characterized by low fertility due to the intensive removal of valuable minerals. On the plains, especially in the valleys of the largest rivers, the soils are usually alluvial and more fertile. Soils formed on volcanic ash are very productive. On the coastal plains of Cebu Island and eastern Negros Island, soils were formed as a result of weathering of coral limestones. In the swampy delta lowlands, swamp-type soils are developed.
Vegetation characterized by richness and diversity. The forests, which cover more than 46% of the country's territory and are known as "Philippine mohogany", are of great value and are sought after in the world market for the strength, hardness and beauty of the wood. The forests are home to banyan trees, palm trees, rubber plants, local species - apitong, lauan, white and red nara, Mayapis, bamboo, cinnamon tree, and orchids. Above 1200 m, shrubs and meadows grow. The most valuable are abaca or Manila hemp.
Large mammals no, there are several types of deer, wild pigs, mongoose. The islands are home to over 750 species of birds and a significant number of reptiles. Marine animals are common, especially pearl mussels in the Sulu Archipelago, in the south of the country.
V. Population of the country
As of July 2004, the population of the Philippines was 86 million 241 thousand 697 people. The annual population growth in 2004 was 1.9%. About 36% of residents are under 15 years of age, 60% are between the ages of 15 and 64, and 4% are 65 and older. The average age of Filipinos is 22.1 years. The birth rate was estimated at 25.8 per 1000, mortality at 5.53 per 1000, emigration at 1.5 per 1000. Average life expectancy - 69.6 years (for men - 66.74 years; for women - 72.61 of the year). Infant mortality is 24.24 per 1000 births.
The labor force in 2004 was about 27.6 million people. Filipino workers have high literacy rates and generally lack vocational training. Their labor productivity is low compared to Western European countries and Japan.
In 2004, approximately 9.5% of Filipinos were unemployed and about 20% were underemployed. More than 6 million Filipinos worked abroad, mainly in the United States and the Gulf states. Of these, 1.8 million were permanent residents of their host country, 2.6 million were contract workers, and 1.8 million were considered illegal migrants.
Ethnic groups: more than 90% of the inhabitants are Malays, other ethnic groups are Chinese, Americans, Spaniards, Visayans, Ilocanos, Moros. Mountain ethnic groups are the indigenous inhabitants of the country, inhabiting such isolated territories. There are over 100 small mountain peoples in the Philippines, numbering from several hundred to more than 100 thousand people.
There are 988 languages recorded in the Philippines, most of them belonging to the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian family). The country has 2 official languages - Filipino (based on Talog) and English, among other (more than 80 languages and dialects) languages the most common are Tagalog (28% of the population), Cebuano (24%), Ilocano (10%), Panay-Hiligaynon (9%), 6% each of Bikal, Waray, Pampano and Pangasinan. About 3% of the population speaks Spanish and Chinese.
Religious composition of the population. The vast majority of believing Filipinos are Christians (83% are Catholics, 4% are Protestants, 5% are adherents of local Christian churches - the Aglicayan and the Church of Christ). 5% of the population are Muslims, 3% are Buddhists and representatives of local traditional faiths.
Over 57% of Filipinos live in cities. The largest of them are Manila (the capital; the Greater Manila agglomeration has up to 11 million inhabitants and also includes the cities of Quezon City, Pasay, Caloocan, Makati and others), Davao (over 1 million inhabitants), Cebu (about 700 thousand). inhabitants), Zamboanga (over 500 thousand inhabitants), Cagayan de Oro (400 thousand inhabitants), Bacolod (over 400 thousand inhabitants), Iloilo (about 350 thousand inhabitants) and others.
VI. General characteristics of the farm
Before World War II, the Philippine economy was based primarily on agriculture and forestry. In the post-war period, the manufacturing industry began to develop, and at the end of the 20th century. – also the service industry. However, economically, the country lagged behind many other East Asian states, not least because of sharp social inequalities, widespread bureaucratic corruption, and the dependent nature of its economy. At the end of the 20th century. The Philippines experienced moderate economic growth, driven by remittances from overseas Filipinos, developments in information technology, and the availability of cheap labor.
