Philippines
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia consisting of over 7,600 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. With a population exceeding 112 million, it is a diverse nation known for its tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and as a major tourist destination in Asia. The capital is Manila, while the largest city is Quezon City.
Key Facts & Geography
Location: Bordered by the South China Sea to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south.
Island Groups: Divided into three main geographical divisions: Luzon (north), Visayas (central), and Mindanao (south).
Capital: Manila.
Area: Approx. 300,000 square kilometers.
Capital & Largest City: Manila and Quezon City are part of Metro Manila, the National Capital Region.
People & Culture
Population: Over 117 million as of early 2026.
Language: Filipino and English are the official languages.
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic (over 85%), making it one of the largest Christian nations in Asia.
Ethnicity: Primarily of Malay descent, with significant Spanish, Chinese, and American influences.
