Republika ng Pilipinas
In southeastern Asia, mostly mountains with narrow extensive coastlands. 300,000 km2 (slightly > AZ), 19% arable.
Capital Manila (pop est. 11.2M)
Population 98M (326.7/km2)
Life expectancy 71 years
HIV/AIDS 0.1%
Literacy 93%
Lang(s) Filipino (official), English (official), eight major dialects: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, Pangasinan
Religions Roman Catholic 81%, Muslim 5%, other Christian 5%, Evangelical 3%, Iglesia mi Kristo 2%, Aglipayan 2%, other 2%
Ethnic Groups Tagalog 28%, Cebuano 13%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 8%, Hiligaynon Ilanggo 8%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3%, other 25%
Gov’t Republic
GDP/cap $3,300
PCVs 1961-1990; 1992 – present; education, environment, youth & business development (Volunteers in country: 148; total to date: 8,369)
Nat’l holiday Independence Day, 12 June (1898)
Focus word for 2011 - "Celebration"
Filipino: Pagdiriwang (pag-deary-wang)Books
Burning Heart: A Portrait of the Philippinesby Jessica Hagedorn
Book Description
These unflinching photographs uncover the importance of religion in the Philippines, as well as the social inequality, dire poverty, overpopulation, and ingrained class system that are all part of daily life.
Kids' Books
Tuko and the birds: a tale from the Philippinesby Shirley Climo; illustrated by Francisco X. Mora.
New York: Henry Holt, 2008.
Ages 5 to 10.
Music
Rico BlancoYour Universe
Music from Philippines
Films
Baler (Mark Meily, 2008)Recipes
Ginataang Kalabasa/Squash Cooked in Coconut MilkPhillipine Civet Coffee
Bantai Civet Coffee
