Capital of Philippines: Manila
The capital of Philippines is Manila. Philippines sits in Asia, has a population of 115,559,009, and uses the PHP. Official languages include Filipino, English.
Quick facts
- Capital: Manila
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~115,559,009
- Area: 300,000 km²
- Population density: 385 people per km²
- Official languages: Filipino, English
- Currency: PHP
- ISO code: PH
How big is Philippines?
By population, Philippines ranks 13th in the world, holding roughly 1.45% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 72nd.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Philippines has 385 people per square kilometre, which is about 6.5 times the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Philippines is the 7th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Philippines in population are Egypt (110,990,103) and Ethiopia (123,379,924).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Italy (301,340 km²) and Oman (309,500 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Filipino is listed as an official language of Philippines alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Philippines uses the PHP, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Philippines in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Philippines belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Philippines and a page on the flag of Philippines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Philippines?
The capital of Philippines is Manila.
What is the population of Philippines?
About 115,559,009, making it the 13th most populous country in the world.
How big is Philippines?
300,000 square kilometres, ranking 72nd by land area, at a density of 385 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Philippines use?
The PHP, which no other country uses.