Paradise Philippines

GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND
The Philippines is consisting of 7,107 islands covering 115,739 square meters. (299,764 km). The main group of islands are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Capital Manila. Time zone is GMT +8 hours.

GOVERNMENT
Presidential Constitutional Republic. Current President is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (14th President of the Philippines).

CLIMATE
March to May, hot and dry. From June to October is the rainy season, from November to February is cool. Average temperature : 78 ° F / 25 ° C to 90 ° F / 32 ° C; Humidity 77%.

POPULATION
A total of 76.5 million Filipinos, as of the last national census in May 2000. The growth rate is 2.3% per year. Luzon, the largest island accounts for more than half the total population.

LANGUAGES
Two official languages, English and Filipino. Filipino based on Tagalog is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education. Eight major dialects spoken by many Filipinos : Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Kapangpangan and Pangasinense.

RELIGION
About 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholics. About 5% Muslim. The rest are small-Christians and Buddhists.

UNIT OF MEASURE
Metric System (US) - is used in most commercial and legal transactions.

MAIN INDUSTRIES
Electronics assembly, Agriculture, Livestocks, Footwear, Chemicals, Garments, Pharmaceuticals, Food processing, Wood products, Petroleum refining, Fishing

ELECTRICITY
220 volts a/c is a common standard. 110 volts a/c is also used.

CURRENCY
Philippines currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP), divided into 100 centavos. International credit cards such as Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and American Express are accepted in major establishments. The US Dollar (USD) is widely used both local and international trade.

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