Languages:
Filipino and English are official languages. There are eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan.
Names:
long form: Republic of the Philippines
short form: Philippines
local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas
local short form: Pilipinas
Government: Republic
Capital: Manila
Independence: June 12, 1898 independence proclaimed from Spain |
 Philippine Flag Description:
The Philippine flag has two equal horizontal bands, blue on the top for peace and justice and red on the bottom representing courage. An equilateral triangle based on the hoist side ( white ) represents equality. In the center of the triangle is a yellow sun with eight rays, each representing one of the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain. On each corner of the triangle is a small, yellow, five-pointed star representing the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The flag was designed in 1897. |
