The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a vibrant archipelagic nation nestled in Southeast Asia, specifically in the western Pacific Ocean. This captivating country boasts an impressive topography, comprising approximately 7,640 islands. These islands are broadly organized into three magnificent geographical divisions from north to south: the sprawling landmass of Luzon, the central cluster known as Visayas, and the southern expanse of Mindanao. Geographically, the Philippines is bordered by the West Philippine Sea to its west, the Philippine Sea to its east, and the Celebes Sea to its southwest. It shares crucial maritime boundaries with Taiwan to the north, Japan to the northeast, Palau to the east and southeast, Indonesia to the south, Malaysia to the southwest, Vietnam to the west, and China to the northwest. Covering an area of 300,000 square kilometers (about 120,000 sq mi), the Philippines is home to a robust population, with around 109 million people as of 2020, positioning it as the world's thirteenth-most populous country. It's truly a multinational state, celebrating a rich tapestry of diverse ethnicities and cultures woven across its many islands. While Manila serves as the nation's historic capital, the bustling Quezon City holds the title of the largest city, both integral parts of the expansive urban area known as Metro Manila.

A Glimpse into Philippine History and Culture

The narrative of the Philippines is one of profound historical depth, beginning with the Negritos, some of the archipelago's earliest known inhabitants. They were later followed by successive waves of Austronesian peoples whose traditions shaped the nascent societies. Over time, the adoption of animism, Hinduism, and Islam led to the establishment of intricate island-kingdoms, referred to as Kedatuans, Rajahnates, and Sultanates, each with its own unique governance and cultural practices. A pivotal moment arrived in 1521 with the landing of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who led a fleet under the Spanish flag, marking the initial contact that would dramatically alter the course of Philippine history. In 1543, another Spanish explorer, Ruy López de Villalobos, bestowed the enduring name Las Islas Filipinas upon the archipelago, a tribute to Philip II of Spain. Formal Spanish settlement, orchestrated through Mexico starting in 1565, firmly integrated the Philippines into the vast Spanish Empire for over three centuries. During this extensive period, Catholicism flourished and became the dominant religion, while Manila emerged as a vital western hub for trans-Pacific trade, connecting Asia with the Americas through the legendary galleon trade. The late 19th century witnessed the stirrings of national identity with the Philippine Revolution beginning in 1896, which soon became entangled with the 1898 Spanish–American War. Spain ultimately ceded the territory to the United States, even as Filipino revolutionaries boldly declared the First Philippine Republic. The subsequent Philippine–American War concluded with the United States establishing control, a dominion that lasted until the islands' occupation by Japan during World War II. Following a period of intense conflict and eventual liberation, the Philippines proudly achieved full independence in 1946. Since then, this unitary sovereign state has navigated a often tumultuous journey with democracy, famously overcoming a dictatorship through the inspiring People Power Revolution, a testament to its people's enduring spirit.

Economy, Global Standing, and Natural Wonders

Today, the Philippines stands as a dynamic emerging market and a newly industrialized country, undergoing a significant economic transformation. Its economy is shifting from a traditional agricultural base towards a more diversified structure heavily reliant on services and manufacturing. On the international stage, the Philippines plays a crucial role as a founding member of key global and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the East Asia Summit. This active participation underscores its commitment to global cooperation and regional stability. However, the nation's stunning island geography also places it in a vulnerable position. Situated on the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire and close to the equator, the country is inherently prone to both earthquakes and typhoons, natural phenomena that regularly test its resilience. Despite these challenges, the Philippines is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and harbors a globally significant level of biodiversity, making it a treasure trove of ecological wonders.

Manila: The Enduring Capital

Manila, officially known as the City of Manila, is not merely the capital of the Philippines; it is also its second-most populous city and a pulsating heart of urban life. This highly urbanized metropolis held the distinction in 2019 as the world's most densely populated city proper. Its formal journey began on July 31, 1901, when it became the country's first chartered city under the Philippine Commission Act 183. Further cementing its autonomy, Republic Act No. 409, "The Revised Charter of the City of Manila," was passed on June 18, 1949. Historically, Manila shares a unique place alongside Mexico City and Madrid as one of the world's original global cities. This distinction stems from its pioneering commercial networks, which were the first to span the Pacific Ocean and forge an unbroken chain of trade routes connecting Asia with the Spanish Americas through the illustrious galleon trade—a monumental achievement that marked the first time in world history an uninterrupted global trade network had been established. Despite being recognized as the second most natural-disaster-afflicted capital city globally (after Tokyo), Manila continues to thrive, ranking among the most populous and fastest-growing cities in Southeast Asia.

A City Forged in History and Trade

The modern Spanish city of Manila was officially founded on June 24, 1571, by the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. This date is widely celebrated as its official genesis. However, the site was far from uninhabited; a fortified Tagalog polity named Maynil had already flourished there since as early as 1258. It is from this ancient polity that both the Spanish and English names for Manila are derived. Following the defeat of Maynil's last indigenous ruler, Rajah Sulayman III, in the Battle of Bangkusay, the Spanish constructed a fortified city, Intramuros, directly atop the ruins of old Maynil. Throughout much of the country's colonial period, Manila served as the seat of power and was counted among the royal Spanish cities in the Philippines, within the Spanish East Indies, alongside other significant centers like Cebu, Naga, and Iloilo. Today, its streets are adorned with numerous historic sites, many of which proudly trace their origins back to the 16th century, offering a tangible link to its profound past.

Understanding Manila's Urban Fabric

The term "Manila" is often used broadly, sometimes referring to the city proper, at other times to the greater metropolitan area, or most commonly, to the officially defined metropolitan area known as Metro Manila. This "capital region" of the Philippines is a sprawling urban complex that encompasses not only the historic core of Manila but also includes the much larger Quezon City and the vital Makati Central Business District. As the most populous region in the country and one of the most populous urban areas worldwide, Metro Manila also stands as one of Southeast Asia's wealthiest regions. The city proper itself was home to 1,846,513 people in 2020 and serves as the historical heart of a built-up area that extends far beyond its administrative boundaries. With an astonishing density of 71,263 people per square kilometer, Manila remains the most densely populated city proper globally. Geographically, Manila is strategically located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, on the island of Luzon. The iconic Pasig River gracefully carves its way through the middle of the city, effectively dividing it into distinct north and south sections. Administratively, the city is composed of 16 districts and further divided into six political districts, designed for its representation in the Congress of the Philippines and for the election of city council members. Its global standing continues to be recognized; in 2018, the Globalization and World Cities Research Network listed Manila as an "Alpha-" global city, ranking it seventh in economic performance globally and second regionally (behind Delhi, India). Furthermore, the Global Financial Centres Index places Manila 79th in the world, highlighting its significance in the international economic landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Philippines and Manila

Q: What is the official name of the Philippines?

A: The official name is the Republic of the Philippines (Filipino: Republika ng Pilipinas).

Q: How many islands make up the Philippines?

A: The Philippines consists of approximately 7,640 islands.

Q: What are the three main geographical divisions of the Philippines?

A: From north to south, they are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Q: Who gave the Philippines its name?

A: Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named the archipelago Las Islas Filipinas in 1543, in honor of Philip II of Spain.

Q: When did the Philippines gain independence?

A: The Philippines became independent in 1946, following liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II.

Q: What is the capital city of the Philippines?

A: The capital city of the Philippines is Manila.

Q: When was Manila officially founded by the Spanish?

A: The Spanish city of Manila was founded on June 24, 1571, by Miguel López de Legazpi.

Q: Why is Manila considered an "original global city"?

A: Manila is considered an original global city because its commercial networks were the first to extend across the Pacific Ocean, connecting Asia with the Spanish Americas through the galleon trade, establishing an uninterrupted chain of global trade routes.

Q: What is the Pasig River known for in Manila?

A: The Pasig River flows through the middle of Manila, dividing the city into its north and south sections.

Q: What is Metro Manila?

A: Metro Manila is the officially defined metropolitan area and "capital region" of the Philippines, encompassing the City of Manila, Quezon City, and the Makati Central Business District, among other areas.