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Philippines (in Filipino, Republika ng Pilipinas), republic in the western Pacific Ocean,
comprising the Philippine Islands and forming part of the Malay Archipelago,
an island grouping that extends southward to include Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Philippines includes more than 7,100 islands, but most of the land area is
shared among the 11 largest islands. The terrain is mountainous and includes many
active volcanoes. The location of the Philippines just north of the equator gives the
republic a moderate tropical climate suited for the cultivation of export crops such
as coconuts and pineapples. Agriculture has long formed the backbone of the economy.
After World War II (1939-1945) the Philippines was one of the first nations of
Southeast Asia to try to industrialize its economy. It subsequently lagged behind
most of its Asian neighbors in economic development. Manila, located on east
central Luzon Island, is the national capital and largest city. The republic’s
cultural institutions, industries, and federal government are concentrated in
this rapidly growing metropolitan area.
The people of the Philippines are called Filipinos. Most Filipinos are of Malay descent.
Filipinos of mixed descent (through various combinations of Malay, Chinese, and
Spanish intermarriage) have traditionally formed the country’s elite in business
and politics. Nearly 83 million people live in the Philippines. The republic has
one of the highest population-growth rates in the world. About 40 percent of
the population lives in poverty while a wealthy minority holds most political
power. The official languages are English and Filipino (formerly spelled Pilipino),
which is based on the indigenous Tagalog language. More than 80 other indigenous
languages and dialects are also spoken, and the people of the Philippines
are divided into regional ethnolinguistic groups. The Philippines is the
only predominantly Christian country in Asia, a result of its colonization by
the Spanish Empire in the 16th century. Muslims, often called Moros,
live predominantly in the southern islands and form a small but significant religious minority.
The first Spanish settlement was established in the Philippines in 1565,
marking the onset of Spanish colonial rule. The Spanish-American War ended
in 1898 with the transfer of the Philippines to United States control.
In 1946, after more than 300 years under foreign rule, the Philippines became
an independent democratic republic. In 1972 Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos
imposed martial law, suspending democratic institutions and restricting
civil rights. A four-day protest in Manila known as the People Power
Movement toppled the Marcos regime in 1986, and a new constitution based on
democratic principles was ratified the following year. The Philippines today
is forging its place among the newly industrialized nations of Asia and seeking
greater integration in the region, while its colonial past means it continues
to have many cultural affinities with the West.
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The Southern Mindanao Region contains two of the nation's fastest
growing cities, Davao and General Santos. The region is experiencing an economic
boom due to its close proximity to Indonesia and major shipping lanes, combined
with the bountiful harvest obtained from sea and land.
The region has a wealth of attractions for travelers such as majestic
Mt. Apo and Mt. Matutum, while sand beaches and reasonably priced resorts on
Samal Island, the rare and endangered Philippine Eagle, exotic cultural minorities
and superb local food, particularly tuna and beef.
Please click here
to view a larger map of the region. |
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The recently created Island Garden City of Samal is emerging as
a major travel destination in its own right having previously
been linked with Davao City. The island is only a 30 minute boat ride
across the Pakiputan Strait.
The island boasts two exclusive resorts and a host of smaller accommodation
for budget conscious travelers. Ligid Island and Island Buenavista
feature white sand beaches and diving spots. Talikud Island is
located just off the southwest tip of Samal Island and has many
diving sites to include Angel's Cove, Coral Gardens and Mansud Wall.
Please click here
to view a larger map of the island.
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Concept by ParagonShift |
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