Manila

Industrial port and capital of the Philippines, in the southwest of the island of Luzon, where the River Pasig enters Manila Bay; population of city (2000 est) 1,581,100; metropolitan area including Quezon City (2000 est) 9,932,600. Industries include textiles, tobacco, distilling, chemicals, shipbuilding, timber, and food processing.

Manila was founded by Spain in 1571. The city was captured by the USA in 1898 during the Spanish-American war, and was occupied by the Japanese 1942-45 during World War II. The old city to the south of the River Pasig was reduced to rubble in fighting between US and Japanese troops in February 1945. It was replaced as capital by Quezon City 1948-76. There are many colleges and universities, the oldest dating from 1611.