Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and its second most populous city after Quezon City. It lies on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, on the island of Luzon, within the Metro Manila region. The Pasig River flows through the middle of the city and divides it into northern and southern sections.

The 2020 census counted 1,846,513 residents, and the 2024 census figure is 1,902,590. Wikipedia calls Manila one of the most densely populated cities proper in the world, with 44,936 inhabitants per square kilometre in 2024.

The Spanish founding of the city is dated to 24 June 1571. Wikipedia notes that a Tagalog fortified polity called Maynila already existed on the site by 1258. Intramuros, the walled fortification begun by Miguel López de Legazpi after the 1571 Battle of Bangkusay, is the historic core of the city. Malacañang Palace, in District VI, is the residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines.

Manila appears in our report on the Philippine economy slowing to 2.1 per cent in the third quarter, its weakest growth since the pandemic.

Sources: Wikipedia, Manila.