300,000 sq km (115,831 sq miles).

73,130,985 (1998).

243.8 per sq km.

Manila.

1,654,761 (1995).

The Philippines lie off the southeast coast of Asia between Taiwan and Borneo in the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea. They are composed of 7107 islands and islets (7108 at low tide), 2773 of which are named. The two largest islands, Luzon in the north and Mindanao in the south, account for 65% of the total land area and contain 60% of the country's population. Between the two lie the Visayas Islands.

Republic since 1987. Gained independence from the USA in 1946. Head of State and Government: President Joseph Ejercito Estrada since 1998.

Filipino, based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is widely spoken, Spanish less so. The Philippines is the third-largest English-speaking country in the world. There are over 111 cultural and racial groups, each with its own language or dialect.

85% Roman Catholic; the rest are made up mostly of Muslims, other Christian denominations, Buddhists and Taoists.

GMT + 8.

220 volts (110 volts in Baguio) AC, 60Hz. 110 volts is available in most hotels. Flat and round 2- and 3-pin plugs are in use.