245 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

We have been worldschooling and homeschooling for the past 3 years and as we travel we aim to learn as much information about the country that we are traveling to as we can. Sometimes learning the facts are so surprising and even fascinating! It is fun not only for kids but also for adults!

So here they are – let’s learn some facts about this beautiful Island Nation.

Geography and Nature

1. The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia, in the western Pacific Ocean.
2. It is the world’s second-largest archipelago.
3. The country has a total land area of about 300,000 square kilometers.
4. The Philippine Trench, also known as the Mindanao Trench, is the third-deepest trench in the world.
5. Mount Apo in Mindanao is the highest point in the Philippines, standing at 2,954 meters.
6. The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
7. It has over 20 active volcanoes 9 the last eruption was in 2023).
8. Mayon Volcano is famous for its perfect cone shape.
9. The Taal Volcano is one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes.
10. The Philippines is home to the largest crocodile in captivity, Lolong.
11. The Chocolate Hills in Bohol are a geological formation of over 1,200 hills.
12. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan is one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
13. The Philippines has the highest rate of discovery of new species with 16 new species of mammals discovered in the last 10 years.
14. The country has one of the longest coastlines in the world.
15. It is home to the Tarsier, one of the smallest primates.
16. The Philippines has more than 52,177 species of plants and animals.
17. It is one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity areas.
18. The Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s largest eagles, is critically endangered.
19. The whale shark, the world’s largest fish, is often spotted in Donsol, Sorsogon ( and we had an amazing time swimming with them in Oslob, Cebu).
20. The islands have a tropical maritime climate.
21. There are three main seasons: Tag-init or Tag-araw (hot dry season), Tag-ulan (rainy season), and Tag-lamig (cool dry season).
22. The longest river in the Philippines is the Cagayan River.
23. The largest lake is Laguna de Bay.
24. The country is divided into 17 regions.
25. Luzon, the largest island, accounts for one-third of the land area.

History

26. The Philippines was named after King Philip II of Spain.
27. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, arrived in the Philippines in 1521.
28. The Spanish colonized the Philippines for over 300 years.
29. The Philippines declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.
30. The country was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War.
31. The Philippines was occupied by Japan during World War II.
32. The country gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.
33. The EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 peacefully ended the Marcos dictatorship.
34. The Philippine flag is the only flag in the world that can be flown upside down to show that the country is in a state of war.
35. The original Philippine flag was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo.
36. The first Filipino alphabet was called Baybayin.
37. The first book printed in the Philippines was Doctrina Christiana in 1593.
38. Manila became the first chartered city in the Philippines in 1901.
39. The Philippines has had 16 presidents since its independence.
40. Emilio Aguinaldo was the first President of the Philippines.
41. The first university in the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, was founded in 1611.
42. The oldest church in the country is the San Agustin Church in Manila, completed in 1607.
43. The Balangiga bells, taken by American soldiers in 1901, were returned to the Philippines in 2018.
44. The Manila Galleon trade linked the Philippines with Mexico for over 250 years.
45. Jose Rizal, the national hero, wrote “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.”

Culture and Traditions

46. The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia.
47. Over 80% of the population is Roman Catholic.
48. Christmas is celebrated with great fervor, starting as early as September.
49. The country is known for its colorful festivals, or fiestas, celebrated in every town and city.
50. Sinulog in Cebu and Ati-Atihan in Kalibo are among the most famous festivals.
51. Filipinos practice a unique form of social organization called the “barangay.”
52. The Bayanihan spirit refers to communal unity and cooperation.
53. Filipinos greet each other with a “mano,” a gesture of respect to elders.
54. The Philippines has one of the world’s longest Christmas seasons.
55. The jeepney, originally made from U.S. military jeeps, is a popular mode of public transportation.
56. Filipinos love karaoke and are known for their singing talents.
57. The traditional dress for women is the “Baro’t Saya,” and for men, the “Barong Tagalog.”
58. Filipino cuisine includes dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon.
59. Balut, a fertilized duck egg, is a famous Filipino delicacy.
60. Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert made with shaved ice and various ingredients.
61. Rice is a staple food in the Filipino diet.
62. Filipinos celebrate “Undas” or All Saints’ Day by visiting the graves of loved ones.
63. The national martial art and sport is Arnis.
64. Filipinos are known for their hospitality and often go out of their way to make guests feel at home.
65. The Philippines has a rich tradition of folk dances, including Tinikling and Cariñosa.
66. Filipinos use the “Po” and “Opo” as signs of respect in conversations.
67. The “Balikbayan” box is a popular way for overseas Filipinos to send gifts home.
68. Bayanihan refers to the traditional Filipino spirit of communal unity.
69. The practice of “Pasalubong” is common, where gifts are brought back for loved ones from trips.

Economy

70. The Philippine economy is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia.
71. It is a major producer of electronics, garments, and agricultural products.
72. The country is the world’s largest producer of coconuts.
73. The Philippines is a leading exporter of bananas and pineapples.
74. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) contribute significantly to the economy through remittances.
75. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is a major economic driver.
76. The Philippines is known for its call centers and customer service industry.
77. Tourism is a significant contributor to the Philippine economy.
78. The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is one of the oldest in Asia.
79. Manila is the main economic and financial hub of the Philippines.
80. The country has a young and growing workforce.

Education

81. The literacy rate in the Philippines is over 95%.
82. The country follows a K-12 education system.
83. English is the primary language of instruction in schools.
84. The University of the Philippines is the national university.
85. There are over 2,300 higher education institutions in the Philippines.
86. Education is mandatory for children up to 18 years old.
87. Many Filipino students excel in mathematics and science.
88. The Philippines has produced several notable scientists and engineers.

Arts and Entertainment

89. The Philippines has a vibrant film industry known as “Pinoy Cinema.”
90. Lino Brocka is one of the most acclaimed Filipino film directors.
91. The Metro Manila Film Festival showcases Filipino films annually.
92. Filipino artists have gained international recognition in music, dance, and visual arts.
93. Lea Salonga is a world-renowned singer and actress.
94. The “Tinikling” dance mimics the movement of birds and is a traditional Filipino dance.
95. “Harana” is a traditional Filipino serenade.
96. The “Kundiman” is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs.
97. The Philippines has a rich tradition of weaving and textile arts.
98. The Banaue Rice Terraces are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
99. Filipino architecture includes the “Bahay Kubo” and “Bahay na Bato” styles.

Sports

100. Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines.
101. The Philippines has its own professional basketball league, the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association).
102. Boxing is also hugely popular, with Manny Pacquiao being a national hero.
103. The Philippines has won medals in boxing, weightlifting, and athletics in the Olympics.
104. The sport of Arnis was declared the national martial art and sport.
105. The country hosted the Southeast Asian Games in 2005 and 2019.
106. Chess is a popular game, with several Filipino grandmasters.
107. The country has produced world-class athletes in various sports.

Demographics

108. The population of the Philippines is over 110 million people.
109. The median age is around 25 years old.
110. The country has a high population density, especially in urban areas.
111. The Philippines is ethnically diverse with over 175 ethnolinguistic groups.
112. The largest ethnic group is the Tagalog.
113. Cebuano is the second most widely spoken language.
114. The Philippines has a significant overseas population, with millions of Filipinos living abroad.
115. The country has a high rate of urbanization.

Government and Politics

116. The Philippines is a democratic republic with a presidential system.
117. The President is both the head of state and government.
118. The country has a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
119. The judicial system is based on Spanish and American law.
120. The Philippines is a founding member of the United Nations.
121. The country is a member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
122. The national government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
123. The Philippines has a multi-party system.
124. Corruption remains a significant issue in Filipino politics.

Technology and Innovation

125. The Philippines is one of the top social media users in the world.
126. The country is known for its vibrant online community.
127. The Philippines has a growing startup ecosystem.
128. Filipino scientists have made significant contributions in fields like agriculture and medicine.
129. The country has a robust telecommunications industry.
130. Mobile phones are widely used, with high penetration rates.
131. The Philippines is a major player in the global BPO industry.

Travel and Tourism

132. The Philippines is known for its beautiful beaches and islands.
133. Boracay is famous for its white sand beaches.
134. Palawan is often considered the best island in the world.
135. Cebu is known for its historical sites and diving spots.
136. Bohol is famous for the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers.
137. Siargao is a popular destination for surfing.
138. Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Spanish colonial architecture.
139. Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
140. Intramuros in Manila is a historical walled city.
141. The Philippines has several natural parks and protected areas.
142. Diving in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is world-renowned.
143. The country is a popular destination for adventure tourism.

Festivals and Celebrations

144. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu honors the Santo Niño.
145. The Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo is known for its street dancing.
146. The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban celebrates a bountiful harvest.
147. The Kadayawan Festival in Davao celebrates the city’s cultural heritage.
148. The Panagbenga Festival in Baguio is a flower festival.
149. The Moriones Festival in Marinduque features participants in Roman centurion costumes.
150. The MassKara Festival in Bacolod is known for its colorful masks and costumes.
151. The Philippines celebrates Independence Day on June 12.
152. Christmas is celebrated with “Simbang Gabi” (night masses).
153. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with fireworks and feasts.

Language and Communication

154. Filipino and English are the official languages.
155. There are over 170 languages and dialects spoken in the Philippines.
156. Tagalog is the basis of the national language, Filipino.
157. Cebuano is widely spoken in the Visayas and Mindanao.
158. Ilocano is spoken in northern Luzon.
159. Hiligaynon is spoken in Western Visayas.
160. Waray is spoken in Eastern Visayas.
161. The Spanish language has influenced Filipino vocabulary.
162. English is widely used in business and education.
163. Filipino sign language is recognized as the national sign language.
164. Filipinos are known for their proficiency in English.

Religion and Spirituality

165. The Philippines is predominantly Christian.
166. Over 80% of the population is Roman Catholic.
167. The Iglesia ni Cristo is an influential indigenous Christian denomination.
168. There are significant Muslim populations in Mindanao.
169. The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia.
170. The country has a variety of religious holidays.
171. The Black Nazarene procession in Manila is one of the largest religious gatherings.
172. Filipino folk religion includes a variety of indigenous beliefs and practices.
173. Simbang Gabi is a traditional nine-day series of night masses leading up to Christmas.
174. The Philippines celebrates Holy Week with various traditions, including processions and reenactments.

Food and Cuisine

175. Filipino cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences.
176. Adobo is considered the national dish.
177. Sinigang is a popular sour soup.
178. Lechon is a roasted pig often served at celebrations.
179. Balut is a fertilized duck egg delicacy.
180. Halo-halo is a popular dessert made with shaved ice, milk, and various ingredients.
181. Pancit is a traditional noodle dish.
182. Lumpia is a Filipino spring roll.
183. Kare-Kare is a stew made with peanut sauce.
184. Bicol Express is a spicy dish made with coconut milk and chili peppers.
185. Filipino breakfast often includes “silog” meals, such as “tapsilog” (beef tapa, fried rice, and egg).
186. Street food is popular, including “isaw” (grilled chicken intestines) and “kwek-kwek” (battered quail eggs).
187. The Philippines has a variety of tropical fruits, including mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.
188. Bagoong is a fermented fish or shrimp paste used in many dishes.
189. The traditional Filipino drink “tuba” is made from coconut sap.

Economy and Industry

190. The Philippines is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
191. The country’s economy is driven by manufacturing, services, and agriculture.
192. The Philippines is a major producer of electronics and semiconductors.
193. It is one of the largest producers of rice in the world.
194. The country has significant deposits of gold, copper, and nickel.
195. Remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are a major source of income.
196. The Philippines is one of the world’s largest exporters of coconut products.
197. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is a key economic sector.
198. The country has a growing tourism industry.
199. The Philippines is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Infrastructure and Transportation

200. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main international gateway.
201. The country has several international airports, including in Cebu, Davao, and Clark.
202. The MRT and LRT are the main urban rail systems in Metro Manila.
203. Jeepneys are the most popular mode of public transportation.
204. Tricycles and pedicabs are common in rural and urban areas.
205. The Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) is a network of roads and ports.
206. The country has a developing expressway network.
207. Ferries are a common mode of inter-island transportation.
208. The Pasig River Ferry Service operates in Metro Manila.
209. The PNR (Philippine National Railways) provides train services in Luzon.

Media and Entertainment

210. ABS-CBN and GMA are the two largest television networks.
211. The Philippines has a vibrant film industry, producing hundreds of films annually.
212. The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) is an important cultural event.
213. Filipino actors and singers have gained international fame.
214. The country has a robust print media industry, with numerous newspapers and magazines.
215. Radio is a popular medium, with many AM and FM stations.
216. The Philippines has a strong presence in online media and social networks.
217. Filipino music includes various genres, from traditional folk to contemporary pop.
218. The “Kundiman” is a traditional Filipino love song.
219. The Philippines is known for its vibrant theater scene.

Health and Medicine

220. The Philippines has a universal health care system.
221. The country has several leading medical schools and hospitals.
222. The Philippines is a popular destination for medical tourism.
223. Filipino doctors and nurses are highly regarded internationally.
224. Traditional medicine and herbal remedies are still practiced in rural areas.
225. The country has made significant progress in reducing infectious diseases.
226. The Philippines has a high rate of childhood immunization.
227. The government promotes various health and wellness programs.
228. The country has a robust pharmaceutical industry.

Science and Technology

229. The Philippines has a strong tradition in scientific research.
230. Filipino scientists have made significant contributions in fields like agriculture and medicine.
231. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is based in the Philippines.
232. The country has a growing information technology sector.
233. Filipino engineers and IT professionals are in demand worldwide.
234. The Philippines participates in international space research and exploration.
235. The country has several science and technology parks.
236. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) promotes innovation and research.

Society and Lifestyle

237. Filipinos are known for their strong family ties.
238. The concept of “Bayanihan” reflects the community spirit and cooperation.
239. Filipinos celebrate various life events with large gatherings and feasts.
240. The Philippines has a young population, with a median age of around 25 years.
241. The country has a high rate of urbanization, with many people living in cities.
242. Filipinos are known for their resilience and optimism.
243. The “Bahay Kubo” is a traditional Filipino house made of bamboo and nipa palm.
244. The “Parol” is a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern.
245. The “Bangkero Festival” in Pagsanjan celebrates the town’s riverboat culture.

I re- read this list a few times and it still is so fascinating to learn so many things about a country.