Official Name: Pilipinas
Population: 90,167,000
Capital: Manila - Pop. 14,000,000
Area: 300,000 sq. km. / 186,411 sq. miles.
Language: Filipino and English
Religion: Catholicism
Status of Homosexuality: Not illegal
Telephone Country Code: 63
The Philippines comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It's the world's 12th most populous country with a population of 90 million people. Its national economy is the 46th largest in the world with an estimated 2008 gross domestic product of over US$154.073 billion. There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, about 11% of the total population. It is a multi-ethnic country. Ecologically, The Philippines is considered to be among 17 of the most megadiverse countries in the world.
Homosexuality is increasingly being tolerated in the Philippines. However this tolerance is tempered by the strong influence of the Catholic church and macho culture. Most Filipinos appear to be comfortable with gays as long as they fit to certain stereotypes and behave according to accepted, non-threatening norms. There is a vibrant gay scene in the Philippines with several bars, clubs and saunas in Manila as well as various gay rights organizations. Homosexual relations between consenting adults in private are not a crime. Although sexual conduct or affection that occurs in public may be subject to the "grave scandal" prohibition. See gay rights in Philippines.
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