An archipelago of around seven thousand islands in the South China Sea, the Philippines is little visited by tourists on the traditional Asian trail. Ceded by Spain to the US in 1898, it attained independence in 1946 after being occupied by the Japanese. Two presidents have been forced to step down through "people power" in the last 15 years: Ferdinand Marcos stepped down in 1986 after mass demonstrations accompanied allegations of electoral manipulation, while in January 2001 Joseph Estrada relinquished power following months of protests. Mr Estrada was subsequently charged with plundering the economy for his own benefit. Gloria Arroyo governs the Philippines and she is serving her second six-year term as President.
The only Christian country in Asia, its population of 81.4m is predominantly of Christian and of Malay origin, with minority Muslim Malay and Chinese populations. The overwhelming capital Manila is on the island of Luzon.
Around a million people visit each year, drawn by attractions such as the ancient rice terraces of Banaue, the beaches of Boracay, Puraran and Peurto Galera, the laid-back town of Cebu and Lake Taal, in a volcanic caldera. Diving, snorkelling, hiking and canoeing are popular sports. Overdevelopment at beach resorts has caused waste disposal problems, however, and air pollution is high in Manila.
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The Foreign Office advises against all travel to central, southern and western Mindanao (the main southern island), to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago, where military and police operations against terrorist and rebel groups are continuing and where kidnappings and bombings have taken place.The Philippines' online publications from the world news guide.Pilipino, based on the Tagalog dialect, is the official language; English is widely spoken; Spanish can sometimes be useful. Other major dialects are Cebuano, spoken in Cebu and many parts of Mindanao; Ilonggo, spoken in Panay and Negros; and Bicol, spoken in southern Luzon.The climate is hot and humid all year, with an average temperature of 25C (77F). Weather patterns are complex, but there are three distinct seasons, not unlike the Indian monsoons: a hot, dry season from March to May; a rainy season from June to November; and a cooler, dry season from November to February. December to May is the peak tourist season.Vaccination may be needed against Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B and rabies. Malaria and dengue fever are present; consider taking anti-malarial medication and protect against mosquito bites. Schistosomiasis is transmitted in freshwater lakes and rivers by larvae which penetrate the skin.Rice is the staple of Filipino cuisine, which is influenced by Chinese, Malay, Spanish and American cooking. Common dishes are stews of meat and vegetables marinated in vinegar, grilled fish and a wide variety of soups and noodles. Barbecued skewers of meat or seafood, pieces of fried pig skin and unripe papaya strips are popular snacks. Regional specialities include grilled pig's cheek and ears, vegetables sauteed in fermented shrimp paste and chicken liver with chilli and onions. Vegetarians who are brave enough to read menus like this can try looking out for ginataang saba or ginataang talong (banana or eggplant cooked in coconut milk), fried rice, or ukoy (vegetable fritters).January Ati Atihan, Panay Island: colourful festival to honour Jesus Christ. Manila: Feast of the Black Nazarene; famous devotional procession.April Holy Week; celebrations across the country, with re-enactments of miracles and Christ's last days.Brassware, hand-embroidered cloth, capiz shell items, buri bags, religious iconography, fake designer clothing, watches and shoes.UK: Embassy of the republic of the Philippines, 9A Palace Green, London (020 7937 1600; visa information 0891 171 244).Philippines: The British Embassy, Floors 15-17 LV Locsin building, 6752 Ayala avenue, corner of Makati avenue, 1226 Makati (63 2 816 7116). There is a consulate in Cebu.Visa requirements: Visas lasting 21 days are issued on arrival to many nationalities, including holders of a valid UK, EU or US passport.£1 buys approx. 105 Philippine peso (PHP).GMT +8.International flights to the Philippines land at Manila or Cebu. No direct flights from Europe; you must travel via Asia (eg Bangkok or Hong Kong), the USA or Australia. The national carrier is Philippine Airlines. The boats which ferry passengers between the Philippine islands are notoriously unsafe and many are not seaworthy; accidents are frequent so be cautious about which craft you travel on, or take a domestic flight (with Asian Spirit, Pacific Air, Sea Air, Air Ads or Mindanao Express) instead.
