An archipelago abundant in nature, rich in culture, and filled with pleasant discoveries. The Philippines has thre main islands: Luzon in the north; Visayas a cluster of smaller islands in the middle; and Mindanao down south, the largest island. The country has 79 provinces grouped into 16 regions.

The philippines enjoys a diversity of destinations, activities and events which every explorer experiences in this archipelago of wonders. Vast mountains and volcanoes tell of great legends. Old cities share stories of the past. Caves and excite. Shimmering waters and a tropical climate lure travellers all year round.

Considered the thisrd largest English-speaking coountry in the world, the Philippines also offers world-class facilities and services - excellent accommodations, fine restaurants, modern shopping centers and communications services, efficient congress and exhibition organizers and professional tour operators.

:: capital: Manila

:: land area: 299,000 sq km

:: population:84.61 million

:: people: The vast majority of Filipinos are descendants of Malays, Chinese, and Muslim minorities. More than 100 cultural minority gourps are scattered throughout the country.

:: language: Filipino and English, with 10 other languages and 87 dialects

:: religion: Predominantly roman Catholic others: Protestant, Muslim and Buddhist

:: government: Republic

:: currency: Philippine Peso (PhP)

:: geography: The Philippines is an archipelago located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam, and North of Sabah and Borneo. It spans 1,900 kilometers from north to south, 1110 from east to west.

:: climate: March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temepratures: 78°F/32°F; humidity: 77%

:: environment: The Philippines is rich in biodiversity, with around 12,000 plant species, 1100 land vertebrate species, and at least 500 species of coral. Total forest area is around 18%; coastal ecosystem reaches almost 20,000 km.

:: time: GMT + 8 hours