Philippines

1521 (March 16, Monday): Ferdinand Magellan arrives in the Philippines, marking the start of Spanish colonization

1896 (August 23, Sunday): Philippine Revolution begins against Spanish rule

1898 (June 12, Sunday): Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain

1941 (December 8, Sunday): Japan attacks the Philippines during World War II

1946 (July 4, Thursday): The Philippines gains independence from the United States

1965 (November 9, Tuesday): Ferdinand Marcos becomes President

1972 (September 21, Thursday): Marcos declares Martial Law, beginning an era of authoritarian rule

1986 (February 22, Saturday): People Power Revolution ousts President Ferdinand Marcos

1991 (July 16, Monday): Mount Pinatubo Eruption: One of the largest eruptions of the 20th century, causing widespread destruction and loss of life

2004 (December 26, Sunday): Typhoon Nanmadol: Typhoon causes severe flooding and landslides, killing over 1,000 people

2013 (November 8, Friday): Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): One of the strongest typhoons ever recorded, causing over 6,000 deaths

2017 (October 16, Monday): Taal Volcano Eruption: Minor eruption forces evacuation of thousands in nearby areas

2020 (March 16, Monday): COVID-19 Pandemic: The Philippines implements lockdowns, with severe impacts on the economy

2022 (December 17, Saturday): Typhoon Rai (Odette): Strong typhoon causes widespread damage in the Visayas and Mindanao regions

Continent: Asia
Location: Southeast Asia, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean
Capital: Manila
Language: Filipino (official), English (official), plus regional languages such as Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Population: ~113 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Philippine Time (UTC +8)

Borders: None (archipelago)
Landscape: Diverse islands with mountains, beaches, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes
Major Rivers: Cagayan River, Pampanga River, Agusan River
Major Mountains: Mount Apo (highest point), Mount Pulag, Mount Mayon (active volcano)
Deserts: None
Lakes: Laguna de Bay, Taal Lake (volcanic lake), Lake Lanao
Volcanoes: Mount Mayon, Mount Pinatubo, Taal Volcano, Mount Apo
Highest Point: Mount Apo (2,954 m / 9,692 ft)
Lowest Point: Philippine Sea (sea level)
Climate: Tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season; frequent typhoons, high humidity
Geological Features: Tectonic plate boundary, active volcanoes, earthquake-prone region

Ethnic Groups: Majority Malay (Filipino), with Chinese, Spanish, American, and Indigenous minorities
Religion: Roman Catholic (approximately 79%), Protestant (approximately 10%), Muslim (approximately 5%)
Urban Population: ~47% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~6% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Festivals, rich history, diverse culture, beaches, and hospitality
Cuisine: Adobo, sinigang, lumpia, lechon, halo-halo
Arts: Traditional dance (Tinikling), music (kundiman), Filipino literature, weaving
Sports: Basketball, boxing, volleyball, and traditional Filipino martial arts (Arnis)

Economy Type: Emerging market, with significant contributions from services, agriculture, and manufacturing
GDP: Approx. $550 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Electronics, mining, agriculture (rice, coconuts), fishing, business outsourcing
Key Exports: Electronics, machinery, garments, fruits, medical devices
Unemployment Rate: ~5.3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Luzon (industrial and business hub), Visayas (agriculture and tourism), Mindanao (mining and agriculture)

Government Type: Unitary presidential republic
Head of State: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Senate and House of Representatives)
Constitution: In effect since 1987, with amendments

Boracay: White sand beaches and luxury resorts
Palawan: Underground River, UNESCO World Heritage site
Cebu: Historical sites, stunning beaches, and diving spots
Manila: Historical landmarks, Intramuros, Rizal Park
Banaue Rice Terraces: Ancient terraces carved into the mountains
Chocolate Hills: Geological formations in Bohol
Taal Volcano: Active volcano with a lake inside, accessible by boat