Manila Habitat Guide: An Overview

Manila or the National capital region is popularly known as Metro Manila. Metro Manila is situated on the island of Luzon and has a population of over 10 million people. It has been the political, commercial and educational centre of the Philippines with the official seat of the government based here ever since the capital was shifted from Cebu to Manila. The metropolis of Manila includes the city of Manila, seven other cities and nine small towns. Manila spreads over 39 sq km of territory on the west coast of the Philippine main island of Luzon. The city straddles the delta of the Pasig River as it empties out into South China Sea alongside Manila Bay.

Metro Manila is not a city that can be easily described. It is a teeming modern metropolis with all the glitter and glamour of a commercial centre contrasting with congested slums all set in a sprawling haphazard mix. Extremes polarise the city, whether it is the richest versus the poorest, shantytowns versus elegant residential districts or high rises looking down upon imposing old Spanish edifices.