This city is not for those who like a quiet life.
Manila — capital of Philippines, is the most populous city in the world. Although the population is not so large (1.6 million), people live in an area of only 38,55 square kilometers. It’s a real city of contrasts that will surprise even the seasoned traveler. Looks like life in the most densely populated city in the world.
Manila is going through hard times. The population density in this city is the highest in the world — 17 761 people per km2, twice more than in new York. Moreover, Manila is located in the so-called “ring of fire” — the volcanic belt of the Pacific ocean, which the city is constantly natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes. In addition to the environmental problems in Manila is experiencing economic and demographic difficulties. The fertility rate rose to 3.1 children per woman, besides the inhabitants of the city are faced with growing inequalities in living conditions. A growing number of high-rises and skyscrapers, but together with them, multiply and slums, which are looking for shelter all who have suffered from natural disasters or suffered a financial collapse.
Manila is located on the Northwest coast of the Philippines. The population, which is 1.6 million people, was divided into those who live in the prosperous business district of Makati city, and those who huddled on the fringes of poor neighbourhoods.
In the poorest areas of the city family together in makeshift community. They live in houses built on stilts and clothing drying on ropes stretched between the rickety roofs.
Due to frequent floods debris constantly falls into the water, contaminating it, leading to the risk of bacterial diseases.
In severe cases, as, for example, in 2009, when the city was rocked by a series of floods, sports halls were used as shelters. However, the population density has not decreased — people simply moved from one place to another.
But in the quiet times in Manila is not overcrowded. To get anywhere, the townspeople have to choose: stuck in traffic on the machine or standing in crowded buses and trains.
Therefore, more and more Filipinos are switching to motorcycles. Freedom of movement becomes greater, but the risk on the roads is significantly increased.
In 2008, the country in the midst of an economic recession, fuel prices jumped so high that most people move on public transport. In the photo, hundreds of people shoulder to shoulder up to the station commuter trains, which is likely already overcrowded.
When the working day ends, we rush to the local shopping centres in Manila were part of the local culture. And they are also not overcrowded.
However, it is not always crowds of people flock to shopping malls only for shopping. When in the Philippines can sometimes be the economic downturn, they organize large-scale job fairs.
And then thousands of people lined up hoping to make a better life for themselves and their families.
Even in such a densely populated city, children still find a way to play.
In addition, in Manila there are places where you can relax from the daily routine.
But the birth rate is incredibly high. According to experts, the city’s population will double by 2025. However, the capital of the Philippines is absolutely not ready to accommodate another 1.6 million people.
And while many here live below the poverty line, Manila is rapidly developing, and its influence is growing. This means that the most densely populated city on Earth has a chance to give its residents the chance at a better life.
