The Republic of the Philippines is a sprawling archipelago set
in the western Pacific Ocean. The Philippines is an incredibly
diverse nation in terms of language, religion, ethnicity and
also geography. Ethnic and religious fault-lines that run
through the country continue to produce a state of constant,
low-level civil war between north and south. Beautiful and
fractious, the Philippines is one of the most interesting
countries in Asia. Capital and Major Cities: Manila, population
1.7 million (11.6 for metro area) Quezon City (within Metro
Manila), population 2.7 million Caloocan (within Metro Manila),
population 1.4 million Davao City, population 1.4 million Cebu
City, population 800,000 Zamboanga City, population 775,000 The
Philippines has an American-style democracy, headed by a
president who is both head of state and head of government. The
president is limited to one 6-year term in office. A bicameral
legislature made up of an upper house, the Senate, and a lower
house, the House of Representatives, ma