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Composed of 7,107 islands and with a total coastline longer than that of the USA, stretches from the south of China to the northern tip of Borneo. The country offers warm tropical waters, coral gardens with beautiful marine life and dramatic drop-offs on the sea bed. With over a hundred ethnic groups and a mixture of foreign influences which have molded a unique Filipino culture. Inland, the rich history and culture of the Filipino people, the dramatic landscapes and thriving cities fascinate the visitor. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is also its heart and soul. It sets the rhythm of life in this archipelago and is a pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the traditional with the modern, the mundane with extraordinary. Considered as the third largest-English speaking country in the world, the Philippines has world-class facilities and services such as excellent accommodations, fine restaurants, modern shopping centers and communications services, efficient congress and exhibition organizers, and reliable tour operators. The Philippines is the world's 12th most populous country with a population approaching 90 million people. Its national economy is the 37th largest in the world. Ecologically, Philippines is considered to be among 17 of the most mega diverse countries in the world. The Philippines was settled mostly by Malay people. The Philippines became a Spanish colony in the 16th century, and an American territory at the beginning of the 20th century. On July 4, 1946, the Americans finally recognized Philippine independence, after the World War II. Roman Catholicism is the country's predominant religion. Spanish was an official language of the Philippines until 1973. Since then, the two official languages are Filipino and English. More Information 10 things not to miss
- "Finest Beach in the World" - 4km long white beach in Boracay
- "Traverse the longest underground river accessible to man" - The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan
- "Behold the 8th wonder of the world" - Rice Terraces, Banaue
- "The only steel church in Asia" - Basilica of San Sebastian in Quiapo, Manila
- "The 1,268 cone shaped hills" - Chocolate Hills in Bohol
- "The largest fish in the world" - Whale shark in Donsol, Sorsogon
- "The smallest volcano in the world" - Taal Volcano in Batangas
- "488 of the 500 known coral species in the world" - under Philippine waters
- "World's smallest primate" - Philippine Tarsier in Bohol
- "Cuisine" - Local south-east Asian overlaid
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