The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas as spelled officially, Filipinas in UP and KWF spelling), officially the Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas; RP), is an island nation located in Southeast Asia, with Manila as its capital. It comprises 7,107 islands called the Philippine Archipelago, with a total land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers or 116,000 square miles, making it the 72nd largest country by area.

Modern day Filipinos are of Austronesian stock, although there is a minority of Filipinos with Chinese, Spanish, American, Indian and Arab ancestry.

Through its rich history, Philippine culture has many affinities with the West. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, and Filipino and English are the official languages.

Republika ng Pilipinas Republic of the Philippines
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa (English: "For God, People, Nature, and Country")
Anthem: Lupang Hinirang ("Chosen Land")
Capital	Manila 14°35′N 121°0′E
Largest city	Quezon City
Official languages	Filipino and English*
Government	Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- President	Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
- Vice President	Noli de Castro
- Senate President	Manuel Villar
- House Speaker	Jose de Venecia, Jr.
- Chief Justice	Reynato Puno
Independence	from Spain and the U.S.
- Declared	June 12, 1898
- Self-government	March 24, 1934
- Recognized	July 4, 1946
- Current constitution	February 2, 1987
Area
- Total	300,000 km² (72nd) 115,831 sq mi
- Water (%)	0.6
Population
- 2006 estimate	85,236,913[1] (12th)
- 2000 census	76,504,077
- Density	276 /km² (42nd) 715 /sq mi
GDP (PPP)	2005 estimate
- Total	$451 billion (25th)
- Per capita	$4,923 (112nd)
GDP (nominal)	2005 estimate
- Total	$98,731 billion (51st)
- Per capita	$1,168 (120th)
HDI (2006)	0.763 (medium) (84th)
Currency	Philippine peso (piso) (PHP)
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
Internet TLD	.ph
Calling code	+63
* Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Bikol, Waray-Waray, Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Kinaray-a, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tagalog, Tausug are the auxiliary official languages in their respective regions. Spanish and Arabic are promoted on an optional and voluntary basis.