Capital		Manila 14°35′N 121°0′E / 14.583°N 121°E / 14.583; 121
Largest city		Quezon City
Official languages		Filipino (Tagalog) , English
Recognised regional languages		Bikol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilokano, Kapampangan, Kinaray-a, Maguindanao, Maranao, Pangasinan, Tausug, Waray-Waray
National language		Filipino
Demonym		Filipino or Pinoy
Government		Unitary presidential constitutional republic
-	President
-	Vice President
-	Senate President
-	House Speaker
-	Supreme Court Chief Justice
Independence		from Spain from United States
-	Established	April 27, 1565
-	Declared	June 12, 1898
-	Self-government	March 24, 1934
-	Recognized	July 4, 1946
-	Current constitution	February 2, 1987
Area
-	Total	300,000 km2 (72nd) 115,831 sq mi
-	Water (%)	0.61%
Population
-	2009 estimate	91,983,000 (12th)
-	2007 census	88,574,614
-	Density	306.6/km2 (44th) 794.1/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$317.964 billion(36th)
-	Per capita	$3,515 (123rd)
GDP (nominal)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$166.909 billion (47th)
-	Per capita	$1,845 (121st)
Gini (2006)		45.8 (medium)
HDI (2007)		▲ 0.751 (medium) (105th)
Currency		Peso (Filipino: piso ) (PHP)
Time zone		PST (UTC+8)
-	Summer (DST)	not observed (UTC+0)
Drives on the		right
Internet TLD		.ph
Calling code		+63

Safety

As with all journeys in the South-east Asia, the visitor should be entrusted to travel agencies with proven local knowledge and high reliability.
Travel "do it yourself" or in small groups are not recommended, especially if performed inside the country, for the occurrence of incidents of banditry and terrorism.
Particular caution should be taken by sailors, as there have been acts of piracy in the seas of the area.

View Details Notices on the site.

AREAS AT RISK
We strongly advise against travel throughout the region of Mindanao.
The areas of central and north-west of 'island of Mindanao (particularly in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and South), the southern part of the peninsula of Zamboanga (province of Zamboanga del Norte , Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City) and the islands southwest of Mindanao (the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi) are absolutely to be avoided due to the periodic repetition of armed clashes between the army and rebel forces
Recently, also in Davao City there have been incidents of violence and there have been reports of possible kidnapping attempts against foreigners.
Another recommended area is the region of Mount Pinatubo in Pampanga most affected by the activities of the NPA (the terrorist group that operates throughout the country). Equally applies to the hinterland areas of the island of Negros, Bohol, Samar and Panay.


AREAS OF CAUTION.
Partly as a result of incidents of banditry, are considered areas of particular caution the southern part of the Visayas islands and the north-east of the island of Luzon.

In the monsoon season (July to November) called on his compatriots, before visiting the country and during their stay, such information through the media and your travel agent to the climate of target locations, even at this website: :
http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc.php
http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc.php particularly in relation to the risk of tropical typhoons.

They warn fans of diving - diving, that the only hyperbaric chambers that are existing in the Philippines are at present working at private hospitals in Manila, the rest of the country (and particularly in places best known for diving, all far from capital) such facilities are not available, and virtually no assistance in case of accidents at sea.


WARNINGS.
The visitor should be aware of the risks he may meet in view of several bombings occurred in public places (subway stations, buses, etc. ..) and the bloody incidents of banditry involving well-known resorts like those in ' island of Palawan.

Avoiding any place of any events or political gatherings.

In relation to the risk of acts of terrorism as well as the island of Mindanao, special precautions must be taken in crowded sites of the major cities of the country - including all Metro Manila - such as shopping malls.

Filipinos are generally open, tolerant and curious tourists not to impose particular behavior if they comply with the normal criteria of civilization and decency.
The population is generally friendly and courteous to strangers, it is expected, however, that the proverbial gentleness and tolerance will be reciprocated. The Filipinos are quite proud and capable and it is therefore prudent to avoid it absolutely losing patience and letting go the control expressions of anger, insults and derogatory phrases that are not tolerated and may result in unpredictable and dangerous reactions .

Is recommended in general to observe the normal precautions against crime and avoid common rural roads, mountainous and remote areas and secondary cities, particularly at night.

It is generally advisable to have politely declined the offers of assistance, guidance in areas not known, invitations to special events or meetings and offers for easy business. It is dangerous to accommodate the proposals of the taxi drivers to accompany the client to places of pleasure, with the consequent risk of arrest or blackmail.

Legislation planned for use and / or distribution of drugs, penalties for possession and / or drug use are closely dependent on the quantity possessed. In severe cases it comes to life in prison and fines of up to 250.000,00 Euro. Harsher penalties are in relation to drug dealing that might extend to the death penalty. Once granted the detention, the alien shall be immediately expelled from the country. If not, it is recommended to call the embassy immediately.

Local law provided for sexual abuse or violence against children: the Philippines is still considered one of the goals of "sex tourism" and the local government decided to tighten significantly the penalties for offenses relating to child prostitution (it is a minor until 18 years). As an indication it is reported that the penalties for these offenses range from 14 years imprisonment and life imprisonment for cases of violence is expected the death penalty. In particular, can be sentenced to 10-12 years imprisonment for those who have been caught in the company of children under 12 years old or younger persons at least 10 years.

Health situation

The quality of public healthcare facilities to be inadequate in large centers, while it is low in peripheral areas. Better quality are private structures, especially in large centers, although expensive. Clinics will still be required that ensure the availability of the patient to bear the financial cost of treatment, without which even in cases of extreme emergency assistance is provided. The range of healthcare products available is quite complete and there is the possibility of signing a health insurance policy in place.
We suggest, however, to conclude, before undertaking the journey, a 'health insurance, to include, in addition to covering medical expenses, including any air ambulance repatriation or transfer to another country.
Returns may be more complex if you need to make remote areas of the country, making it very difficult to reach and communicate with the Embassy, while in major cities do not present problems.

WARNINGS
Caution is recommended for lovers of diving - diving, especially in places best known for diving all far from the capital where they are, at present, adequate child care facilities in case of accidents at sea (eg, hyperbaric chambers ).

Travelers wishing to travel to the Philippines temporary and who wish to bring along medicines for personal use must be aware of:
- In the Philippines the drugs are available in pharmacies or shops of medicines (Mercury Drug). Visitors can import only the sufficient length of flight, as indicated in the prescription (in English) by their doctor, those taking medicines on prescription must therefore equip themselves with a certificate (in English) from your doctor, stating the because of the care and the doses planned for the period of stay abroad;
- Who intends to continue his journey to other countries, it is advisable to separate the part of medicine that will not be used (packed and sealed) and then to declare it again when leaving the country.

The precautions to be taken will vary depending on the destination zones. In any case, we recommend:

- Not to drink tap water (containing bacteria which Italians are not used) and do not add ice in drinks;
- Drinking mineral water in sealed bottles;
- To cover more parts of the body despite the warm climate, in order to avoid insect bites, in some cases can cause diseases (malaria, dengue). He regularly attends the resurgence of dengue (fever or hemorrhagic), caused by the bite of the mosquito Aedes aegipty. The incubation period ranges from five to fifteen days, followed by high fever and sharp reduction in the number of blood platelets. It is prudent in case of fever during or after a stay in the Philippines, not to take aspirin or products (as contraindicated in cases of dengue fever) without first consulting a doctor or hospital and the possibility of having dengue fever or malaria;
- To make, after consulting a doctor, vaccinations: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid fever (if you go in non-urban areas) and on account of rabies vaccine as endemic in the country;
- To make its prophylaxis in areas where malaria present, always following the medical opinion in this regard.