The Philippines: Geography and Demographics Quiz

The Philippines - Geography and Demographics

• An archipelago of 7,641 islands located in the western Pacific Ocean in Southeast Asia between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea
• Majority of the land is mountainous with narrow to large coastal lowlands
• Divided into three main geographic areas: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
• Tropical marine climate with a northeast monsoon from November to April and a southwest monsoon from May to October
• Official language is Filipino, English is the official language of government and education
• 8 major dialects: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
• Population of 104,256,076
• Life expectancy is 67.6 years
• Religion:
  • Catholic 82.9% (Roman Catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan 2%)
  • Muslim 5%
  • Evangelical 2.8%
  • Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%
  • Other Christian 4.5%
  • Other 1.8%
  • Unspecified 0.6%
  • None 0.1%

Disaster Risk Profile

• A disaster is defined as a disruption of a community or society causing widespread losses exceeding the affected community's coping ability
• Two main disaster classifications:
  • Rapid Onset Disasters: Happen suddenly (e.g. earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, floods)
  • Slow Onset Disasters: Develop over time (e.g. droughts)

Natural Disasters

Geophysical

• Earthquakes: Frequent due to the Pacific Ring of Fire location (where tectonic plates meet and shift)
  • Fault lines: Fractures in the earth's crust caused by tectonic forces
• Volcanic Eruptions:
  • Philippines is home to over 300 volcanoes, with 22 currently active
  • Mayon Volcano in Legaspi City is the most active volcano
  • Dormant volcanoes: Not currently active but can become so
  • Extinct volcanoes: Not expected to erupt again

Meteorological

• Typhoons: Strong tropical cyclones that can devastate communities

Hydrological

• Floods: High water levels caused by heavy rain or other factors
• Landlsides: Masses of rock and soil that move down a slope
  • Morphology plays a role, with erosion weakening earth and human activities like deforestation and construction increasing risk

Terrorism

• Criminal acts aimed at creating terror in the general public
• Notable terrorist groups in the Philippines include:
  • Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
  • Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)
  • Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
  • Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)
  • New People’s Army (NPA)
  • Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)
  • Maute Group (also known as Islamic State of Lanao)

Top 10 Natural Disasters in the Philippines (Last 100 Years)

1. Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) (2013): Strongest typhoon to make landfall in the Philippines
2. Typhoon Bopha (2012): Deadly storm that hit the Mindanao region
3. Typhoon Washi (2011): Severe storm that hit the Mindanao region
4. Guinsaugon Landslide (2006): Mountainside collapsed on a village
5. Tropical Storm Thelma (1991): Flash floods in the Central Visayas region
6. 1990 Luzon Earthquake: Devastated the Baguio city area
7. Typhoon Ike (1984): Caused significant destruction
8. 1976 Moro Gulf Tsunami: Caused by an earthquake
9. Typhoon Trix (1952): Heavy floods and landslides in the Bicol region
10. Taal Volcano Eruption (1911): Killed many nearby residents

This quiz explores the geographical and demographic aspects of the Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia. Dive into its major islands, climate, languages, population, and religious diversity. Perfect for students or anyone looking to understand this vibrant nation.