There are 7,600+ islands in the Philippine Archipelago with a population of approximately 100 million people. A country of this size and population requires some organization to make it manageable. Learn how the Philippines is organized to maintain peace and order.
Coordinates: 9°54′N 124°12′E 
The following is an overview of how the Philippines is organized:
- All Philippine islands combined form the country called the Republic of the Philippines. The country is administered nationally by a President.
- The islands are organized into 3 major Island Groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
- Islands are also organized into 17 administrative regions. Some have numerical designations whereas others just have names.
- Each region is composed of provinces. There are currently 82 provinces. Each province has a Governor.
- Each province is divided into cities and municipalities. Municipality is also referred to as town. Each city or municipality/town has a Mayor.
- Poblacion is the common term used for the central, downtown, old town, or central business district area of a Philippine city or municipality. A poblacion may take up the area of a barangay or multiple barangay.
- Cities and towns/municipalities are divided into barangays. Each barangay has a Barangay Captain.
- Large barangays are further divided into puroks.
