Manila

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines.

It is a highly urbanized city located on the island of Luzon. The city sits on the eastern shore of Manila Bay.

A major river called the Pasig River flows through the center. This river divides the city into northern and southern sections. Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. According to the 2024 census, the city has 1,902,590 people.

It is the second-most populous city in the country, following Quezon City.

The name Manila has deep roots in the local environment. It likely comes from the Filipino term Maynilà. This name is often interpreted to mean "where indigo plants are abundant."

Another interpretation suggests it means "where nilad plants are abundant." The nilad is a shrub-like tree that grows near mangrove swamps. The term nilà may originate from the Sanskrit word nīla, meaning indigo. Scholars believe the name described the plants growing around the early settlement. This happened long before indigo became a major economic activity in the 18th century. Over time, the name underwent Hispanicization during Spanish rule to become Manila.

Manila has a history that stretches back many centuries. By 1258, a Tagalog-fortified polity called Maynila already existed.

The area was an active trading partner with China's Song and Yuan dynasties. In the 13th century, the settlement was a fortified trading quarter on the Pasig River. During this time, Manila also followed the conversion of Brunei from Hinduism to Islam. On June 24, 1571, the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi arrived. He defeated the last indigenous ruler, Rajah Sulayman, in the Battle of Bangkusay. Legazpi then began constructing the walled fortification known as Intramuros.

The Spanish era turned Manila into a global commercial hub. It served as the capital of the Spanish East Indies. This territory included the Marianas, Guam, and other islands. The city was administered by Mexico City within the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Manila became famous for the Manila–Acapulco galleon trade. This trade lasted for more than two centuries. It connected Asia with the Spanish Americas via the Pacific Ocean.

Silver from Mexico and Peru was exchanged for Chinese silk and Indian gems. This established an uninterrupted chain of trade routes circling the planet. Manila became a vital crossroads for the Silk Road, the Spice Route, and the Silver Way.

Administratively, the city is quite complex. It is divided into 16 administrative districts. For political representation, it is split into six political districts. These districts are used for elections in the Congress of the Philippines. While people often use "Manila" to mean the whole metropolitan area, the city proper is distinct. Metro Manila is the official capital region. It includes the much larger Quezon City and the Makati Central Business District. This metropolitan system helps manage the massive population and economic activity of the region.

Today, Manila holds a significant place in the global economy. In 2018, the Globalization and World Cities Research Network listed it as an "Alpha-" global city. It ranked seventh globally in economic performance. It also ranked second within its own region. However, the Global Financial Centres Index ranks Manila 79th in the world. The city also faces significant environmental challenges. It is the world's second most natural disaster-exposed capital city, following Tokyo.

This exposure requires constant attention to urban planning and safety.

Modern Manila is a mix of historical landmarks and busy urban life. You can see the history in the architecture of the city. The Ayuntamiento de Manila served as the City Hall during the Spanish period.

The city has also seen great destruction, such as during the battles of World War II.

Despite this, the city remains a central part of Philippine life. It connects various cultures and trade networks just as it did centuries ago. The city continues to grow as a major center for the Philippines.