Manila

Manila
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	14.5833°N 120.9667°E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Philippines
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	National Capital Region
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Honey Lacuna
Established title	Founded
Established date	1571
Area total km2	42.88
Elevation m	16
Population total	1868311
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	43500
Timezone	PST
Utc offset	+8
Postal code type	ZIP code
Postal code	0900 to 1096

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a major metropolis located on the eastern shore of Laguna de Bay, with a rich history dating back to the Spanish Empire and Galleon trade. The city is home to many notable landmarks, including the Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and the Manila Cathedral, which was built by Juan de Salcedo and Miguel López de Legazpi. The city's strategic location has made it an important hub for trade and commerce, with the Port of Manila being one of the busiest ports in the Southeast Asia region, rivaling the Port of Singapore and the Port of Hong Kong.

Geography

Manila is situated on the eastern shore of Laguna de Bay, with the Pasig River flowing through the city and emptying into Manila Bay. The city's terrain is generally flat, with an average elevation of 16 meters above sea level, making it prone to flooding during the monsoon season and typhoons, such as Typhoon Ketsana and Typhoon Ondoy. The city is surrounded by several mountains, including Sierra Madre and the Marikina Valley Fault System, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Manila is also close to several volcanoes, including Taal Volcano and Mayon Volcano, which are monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

History

The history of Manila dates back to the pre-colonial period, when it was a major trading center for the Tondo and Maynila kingdoms, which had trade relations with the Ming dynasty and the Majapahit Empire. The city was founded in 1571 by Miguel López de Legazpi, who established it as the capital of the Spanish East Indies, and was later occupied by the British Empire during the Seven Years' War. Manila played a key role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain, with the Katipunan led by Andrés Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo fighting for independence, and later against the United States during the Philippine-American War. The city was also a major battleground during World War II, with the Battle of Manila being one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific War, involving the United States Army, the Philippine Commonwealth Army, and the Japanese Imperial Army.

Economy

Manila is the economic center of the Philippines, with a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, finance, and tourism. The city is home to the Philippine Stock Exchange, which is one of the oldest stock exchanges in Asia, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which is the central bank of the Philippines. Manila is also a major hub for business process outsourcing, with many companies, including Convergys and Accenture, having operations in the city. The city's economy is also driven by its ports, including the Port of Manila and the Manila North Harbor, which are among the busiest in the Southeast Asia region, handling cargo from China, Japan, and South Korea.

Culture

Manila is a culturally diverse city, with a mix of Spanish, American, Chinese, and Malay influences, as seen in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. The city is home to many notable landmarks, including the Intramuros, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the National Museum of the Philippines, which showcases the country's history and culture, including the works of Fernando Amorsolo and Juan Luna. Manila is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with many galleries and museums, including the National Gallery of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. The city hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Feast of the Black Nazarene and the Manila Carnival, which are attended by millions of people, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and President Rodrigo Duterte.

Government

Manila is a charter city and is governed by a mayor-council government, with the Mayor of Manila serving as the chief executive and the Manila City Council as the legislative body, which is composed of representatives from the city's six congressional districts. The city is divided into six districts, each represented by a congressman in the House of Representatives of the Philippines, including Benjamin Abalos and Ruffy Biazon. Manila is also part of the National Capital Region, which is governed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, led by Chairman Danilo Lim.

Infrastructure

Manila has a well-developed infrastructure, with a comprehensive network of roads, highways, and bridges, including the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and the Manila-Cavite Expressway. The city is served by several airports, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Clark International Airport, which offer flights to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo. Manila is also a major hub for public transportation, with a network of buses, jeepneys, and trains, including the Manila Light Rail Transit System and the Philippine National Railways. The city is also home to several seaports, including the Port of Manila and the Manila North Harbor, which are among the busiest in the Southeast Asia region.

Demographics

Manila has a population of over 1.8 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the Philippines, with a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Tagalogs, Chinese Filipinos, and Spanish Filipinos. The city has a high population density, with an average of 43,500 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world, comparable to Mumbai and Dhaka. Manila is also a major hub for education, with several universities and colleges, including the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas, which are among the top universities in the Asia-Pacific region. The city is also home to several hospitals and medical centers, including the Philippine General Hospital and the St. Luke's Medical Center, which provide medical services to the city's residents, including President Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda Marcos.