It has an area of 300,000 sq. km. Manila is its capital and Pilipino is its national language. One half of the population of this country lives on Luzon situated in the north. Cagayan valley of Luzon is utilized for producing corn and tobacco. Central plain of Luzon produces sugarcane, coconut and rice and in reality it is the life line of the Philippines. The coastal plains of Mindanao grow rubber and coconuts.
The rainfall ranges from 50 to 180 inches. Baguio gets 250 inches rain annually. In the forests valuable timber is available and resins and tanning materials are obtained from the forests. Gold and copper are mined here. Beguio is the main centre of mining. Shifting cultivation is practiced. Manila hemp known mainly a abaca is the monopoly of the Philippines.
The largest, Luzon and Mindanao, make up two-thirds of the total area. Manila plain is the most important area for cultivation. Wet paddy is important crop. Maize, soyabean sweet potato tapioca, groundnut and banana are the other crops. Coconut covers one-fifth of the land. The Philippines produce more than one-third of world's coconut products. Manila hemp in southern Luzon and in cagayan valley are economically important crops. The iron and manganese are important minerals. Iron ore is exported to Japan.
Industries are underdeveloped because of lack of fuel. Manila, Iloio, Cebu, Anani and Legaspi, Daven and Amboang are important commercial centres. Southern part is thickly populated. The plantation areas are having greater concentration. Northern Luzon, Mindanao and Mindore are sparsely populated.
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