With 7,107 islands, many natural wonders, a colorful history, and a people known for their warmth and hospitality, the Philippines is an archipelago of stunning beauty.

The natural environment is a veritable paradise, with one of the longest coastlines in the world, rich marine life and wildlife, a tropical climate, pristine white sand beaches, vast mountains, and numerous volcanoes and caves. The Philippines is a world-class diving destination.

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan put this strategic archipelago on the map of the world when he arrived on March 17, 1521. The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century. After three centuries of Spanish rule and then American and later Japanese control, the Philippines finally obtained lasting independence on July 4, 1946. Today, with over 90 million people, the Philippines stands as the 12th most populous country in the world.

With people of Malay stock, but with a long history of Western colonial rule, the Filipino culture offers a unique blend of east and west. The people themselves are particularly famous for their hospitality, spirit of kinship and camaraderie, close family relations, and piousness. Although there are more than 100 ethnic groups, with 111 dialects spoken, the Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world.