Philippines — 7641 islands, 117 million inhabitants, the only Catholic country in Asia (besides East Timor).
- Philippines has 7641 islands only 2000 inhabited. 3 groups: Luzon (north, capital Manila), Visayas (central), Mindanao (south).
- 80% of Filipinos are Catholic (only Catholic country in Asia besides East Timor). Legacy of 333 years of Spanish colonization (1565-1898).
- Philippines was Spanish for 333 years, American for 48 years Hence: Spanish surnames (Cruz, Reyes, Santos), American English + mixed food.
- Philippines has 175 languages Tagalog (official, Manila) + 174 local. English second official. One of 3 best English-speaking countries in Asia.
- Boracay — world's best beach 2012 (Travel + Leisure). White sand 4 km. White Beach. 2018-2020 closed for rehabilitation.
- Philippines has 6 UNESCO sites Banaue rice terraces (Cordilleras, 2000 years), Vigan (Spanish colonial city), Coron Park, Baroque churches.
- Tarsier — world's smallest monkey (11 cm, 130 g). Endemic to Philippines (Bohol). Big eyes visible at night like flashlights. Critically endangered.
- Philippines experiences 20 typhoons annually Most in the world. Strongest 2013: Yolanda (Haiyan) — 6000 victims.
- Philippines exports workers 10 mn Filipinos work abroad (Saudi, USA, UAE, Hong Kong). 10% of GDP is remittances.
- Manila Bay — amazing sunsets Best sunsets in Asia. 30 km coastline of Roxas Boulevard. Plus US Navy historical landmark.
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Tourism, UNESCO World Heritage.