The Philippines is located in Southeastern Asia and in an archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam.
Climate: Tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October).
Population: 99,900,177 (July 2010 est.)
Currency: Philippines pesos (PHP)
Exchange Rates: Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 45.459 (2010), 47.68 (2009), 44.439 (2008)
Time Zone: PST (UTC+8)
Languages: Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan.
Visitors Web site: www.tourism.gov.ph
Other Information
- High per capita rate of certified doctors and nurses
- More than 100 languages are spoken; English is a second language
- World-famous destinations: white sand beaches, diving spots, natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage sites