The City of Manila (Filipino: Lungsod ng Maynila) is the cosmopolitan capital of the Philippines located in the west coast of the island of Luzon. Up until World War II, Manila was considered one of the most beautiful cities in Asia but the war put the city into complete ruins. It was the second most destroyed city after Warsaw, Poland. But this modern capital-city is the premier Christian city of Asia and considered as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a population of over 1.5 million people. Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, Manila is a blend of cultures and flavors that offers an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences to never forget. The old Manila very much resembles a Latin American city with many historic churches and forts, specially in Intramuros, the original city founded by the Spanish in 1571. Manila was the capital of the Spanish East Indies and for over 3 centuries received much influence from Spain, including the Catholic religion. In 1898 the Philippines were taken over by the US, and the country achieved independence in 1946. Upto the 1950's most educated Filipinos spoke Spanish fluently. Today Filipinos speak English as well as Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano or other native languages, but the culture has much Hispanic influence. Manila has the usual developing world city problems of choking smog, traffic, appalling poverty and homeless animal overpopulation. This, however, should not dissuade any traveler from visiting this city for it is a warm, exciting and diverse place that is ripe for discovery by any adventurous tourist. English is a second language; do not worry about getting around. Traveling expenses are cheap compared to the experience tourists will be rewarded with. Delve in Manila's rich culture, hype up with the nightlife, or treat yourself to that most coveted dream vacation.