Philippines

Geographical location: Southeast Asia

Size: Archipelago with over 7,000 islands

Bordering countries: None

Landscape: Tropical forests, beaches, volcanoes, and rice paddies

Climate: Two main seasons: wet and dry

Population: More than 110 million people

Capital city: Manila

Other important cities: Quezon City, Davao, Caloocan, and Cebu

Language: Filipino and English

Religion: Majority of the population practices Roman Catholicism

Currency: Philippine peso

Cuisine: Fusion of Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous influences; popular dishes include stew, sour soup, and roast pork

Famous tourist attractions: Chocolate hills of Bohol, the rice terraces of Banaue, and the Mayon volcano; beaches of Boracay and Palawan

Interesting historical facts: The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over 300 years; gained independence from the United States in 1946