Philippines

Southeast Asia

Republic of the Philippines / Filipino Islands / Pearl of the Orient

Capital: Manila | Population: 115 million

Country Archipelago

Expert Tip: The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands, making it the second-largest archipelago in the world after Indonesia.

Geography

1Island Groups

The Philippines is divided into three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Luzon is the largest and most populous island, home to the capital Manila.

2Climate

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate with three seasons.

The country experiences frequent typhoons, especially from June to November.

3Biodiversity

The Philippines is one of the world's megadiverse countries.

It hosts many endemic species like the Philippine eagle and tarsier.

4Volcanoes

The country has active volcanoes including Mayon and Taal.

Mount Apo is the highest peak at 2,954 meters (9,692 ft).

5Marine Resources

The Philippines has one of the world's richest marine ecosystems.

The Tubbataha Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Expert Tip: The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

1Languages

There are 180+ languages spoken, with Filipino and English as official languages.

Tagalog is the basis of the national Filipino language.

2Religion

The Philippines is the largest Christian nation in Asia.

About 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic.

3Festivals

Colorful fiestas like Sinulog and Ati-Atihan showcase local culture.

Christmas celebrations begin as early as September.

1Beaches

Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao are world-famous beach destinations.

El Nido's limestone cliffs and lagoons are breathtaking.

2Historical Sites

Intramuros in Manila showcases Spanish colonial architecture.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3Diving Spots

The Philippines offers some of the world's best scuba diving.

Popular sites include Apo Reef and Coron's shipwrecks.

4Unique Experiences

Swim with whale sharks in Oslob or Donsol.

See the tiny tarsiers in Bohol's conservation areas.

Expert Tip: The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to May, avoiding the typhoon season.