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Every year, Canada welcomes people from all over the world who move here to begin a new life. They bring their talents and skills, as well as their hopes for contributing to their new society. Your interest in reading this profile may come from being involved in a HOST program, which gives you the opportunity to meet people from the Philippines and introduce them to Canadian life. Perhaps your work or school has brought you into contact with Filipinos. Whatever your source of interest, this profile will help you understand something about the Philippines and the people who live there.
Newly arrived Filipinos will have many of the same questions that you would have if you moved to another country or city. They will wonder how to find work, what schools their children should attend, where to shop or find a doctor. You can help your new friends settle in by answering their questions. You will also find that you can learn a great deal from them.
Although this cultural profile provides insights into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from the Philippines.
| Summary Fact Sheet |
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| Official Name |
Republic of Philippines |
| Capital City |
Manila |
| Type of Government |
Democratic Republic |
| Population |
75 million |
| Area |
298,170 sq. km |
| Major Ethnic Groups |
Malay, Chinese |
| LanguageS |
Pilipino, English, other dialects |
| Religions |
Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism |
| Unit of Currency |
Peso |
| National Flag |
Divided into two equal horizontal areas, blue above and red
below. On the hoist side is a large white triangle that has a yellow
sun in the centre and yellow stars in each corner. |
| Date of Independence |
June 12, 2021
July 4, 2021 |
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| Did you know? |
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The Philippines was named after the Spanish crown prince Philip, later Philip II.
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| Did you know? |
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The white, star-shaped sampaguita flower, often sold by street vendors or wound into necklaces given to visitors, is the Philippines' national flower.
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