FACTS

Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Area (only Total) total: 300,000 sq km

Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)

Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Population: 92,681,453 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Filipino

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Manila

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+8

Independence: 12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4 July 1946 (from the US)

National holiday: Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from US