Philippines

Lore & Background

Negritos were the archipelago's earliest inhabitants, followed by waves of Austronesian peoples. The adoption of animism, Hinduism with Buddhist influence, and Islam established island-kingdoms. Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named the archipelago las Islas Filipinas in 1543 in honor of King Philip II. Catholicism became the dominant religion. The Philippine Revolution began in 1896, and after the Spanish–American War, Spain ceded the territory to the United States. The Philippines became independent in 1946. The country experienced martial law from 1972 to 1981 under Ferdinand Marcos, who was overthrown by the People Power Revolution in 1986.

In Their Own Story

The morning mist clings to the emerald rice terraces of Banaue as a farmer guides his carabao along the ancient stone paths. Down in the bustling port of Manila, the scent of frying garlic and salted fish mingles with the roar of jeepneys navigating narrow streets lined with Spanish-era churches and modern glass skyscrapers. Above it all, the twin typhoons gather on the horizon, a reminder that life here is a dance between the storm's fury and the warm welcome of the islands.

Reader's Guide

The Philippines is bounded by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. It shares maritime borders with Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Palau, Guam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China. It has diverse ethnicities and a rich culture. The economy is transitioning from agricultural to service- and manufacturing-centered. The country is part of multiple international organizations and forums, mainly in the Asia-Pacific region. It is prone to earthquakes, monsoon rains, and typhoons due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire and near the equator.

Did You Know?

• The Philippines consists of about 7,641 islands.
• The three main geographical divisions are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
• Manila is the capital, and Quezon City is the most populated city.
• The Philippines is the world's twelfth-most-populous country.