Philippines, island country of Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. The Philippines takes its name from Philip II, who was king of Spain during the Spanish colonization of the islands in the 16th century. The government of the Philippines was largely based on the United States model.
Many wonderful beaches are just part of one of the world’s longest coastlines and it takes about 20 years to spend a day on every island. Since Spanish colonial times, the country has been Asia’s largest Catholic country. Over a hundred ethnic groups, a mixture of foreign influences and a fusion of culture and arts have enhanced the uniqueness of the Filipino identity and the wonder that is the Philippines.
Philippines in Brief:
Capital:
Manila
Currency:
Philippine peso
Language:
Filipino, English
Time Zone:
(GMT+8)