Metro Manila

Metro Manila
Name	Metro Manila
Country	Philippines
Region	National Capital Region
City	Manila
Population as of	2020
Population total	13,484,462
Population density km2	46,000
Population demonym	Manileño

Metro Manila is the National Capital Region of the Philippines, comprising Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela. It is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, bordered by the provinces of Bulacan to the north, Rizal to the east, and Cavite and Laguna to the south. The region is home to many notable institutions, including the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University. It also hosts several major events, such as the Metro Manila Film Festival and the Manila International Auto Show.

Geography

Metro Manila is located on the western coast of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. The region is bounded by the Sierra Madre mountain range to the east and the Manila Bay to the west. The Pasig River runs through the region, dividing it into two areas: the National Capital Region and the surrounding provinces. The region's terrain is generally flat, with some areas being below sea level, such as the Tondo district in Manila. The region is also home to several major waterways, including the Marikina River and the San Juan River. Nearby cities include Antipolo, Bacoor, and Dasmariñas, while the region is also close to the Corregidor Island and the Bataan Peninsula.

History

The history of Metro Manila dates back to the pre-colonial period, with the region being inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Tagalog people and the Kapampangan people. The region was later colonized by Spain and became the capital of the Spanish East Indies. During the Spanish-American War, the region was captured by the United States and became a major hub for American colonial rule in the Philippines. The region played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, with key figures such as Emilio Aguinaldo and Andrés Bonifacio leading the fight for independence. The region was also a major battleground during World War II, with the Battle of Manila being one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific War. Notable historical events in the region include the EDSA Revolution and the People Power Revolution.

Economy

The economy of Metro Manila is one of the largest and most diverse in the Philippines, with major industries including business process outsourcing, manufacturing, and tourism. The region is home to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Department of Finance. Major companies with headquarters in the region include SM Investments, Ayala Corporation, and JG Summit Holdings. The region is also a major hub for e-commerce and digital payments, with companies such as PayMaya and GCash operating in the area. Nearby economic zones include the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Clark Freeport Zone.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Metro Manila is approximately 13.4 million people, making it one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. The region is a melting pot of different cultures, with people from various parts of the Philippines and other countries living and working in the area. The region is home to many notable Filipino people, including Fernando Poe Jr., Joseph Estrada, and Benigno Aquino III. The region is also home to a significant number of Chinese Filipino and Korean Filipino communities. Major universities in the region include the University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, and Mapúa University.

Government

The government of Metro Manila is composed of the Metro Manila Council, which is composed of the mayors of the 16 cities and one municipality that make up the region. The region is also home to the Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines. The region is divided into six districts, each represented by a congressman in the House of Representatives of the Philippines. The region is also home to the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Court of Appeals. Nearby government institutions include the Senate of the Philippines and the Congress of the Philippines.

Transportation

The transportation system in Metro Manila is one of the most extensive in the Philippines, with a comprehensive network of roads, highways, and public transportation systems. The region is served by the Manila International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the country. The region is also home to the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit systems, which provide efficient and convenient transportation to commuters. The region is also served by the Philippine National Railways, which connects the region to other parts of Luzon. Major transportation hubs in the region include the Port of Manila and the North Port.

Landmarks

Metro Manila is home to many notable landmarks, including the Intramuros, a historic walled city that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. The region is also home to the Rizal Park, a major urban park that is one of the largest in Asia. Other notable landmarks in the region include the Manila Cathedral, the San Agustin Church, and the Fort Santiago. The region is also home to many major shopping malls, including the SM Mall of Asia, the Greenhills Shopping Center, and the Glorietta. Nearby tourist destinations include the Tagaytay and the Laguna province. Major events in the region include the Sinulog festival and the Panagbenga Festival. Category:Metropolitan areas in the Philippines