The Philippines is the second largest archipelago in the world, with over 7,100 tropical islands. The island of Borneo is located a few hundred kilometers southwest and Taiwan is located directly to the north. Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao constitute the main island groups in the country. With an estimated population of about 92 million people, the Philippines is the worlds 12th most populous country. The capital is Manila with an estimated population of around 20 million people in the metropolitan area, making it the world's fifth largest urban area by population. Cebu is the second most renowned city of the Philippines after Manila.
Most of the mountainous islands are covered in tropical rainforest, which together with its extensive coastlines make it home to a diverse range of birds, plants, animals and sea creatures. The rain forests boast an array of flora, including many rare types of orchids. Around 1,100 land vertebrate species can be found in the Philippines, including over 100 mammal species and 170 bird species not thought to be found elsewhere. In the sea around the islands there are more than 2,400 fish species and over 500 species of coral.
The Philippine culture is a combination of Eastern and Western Cultures. The Philippines shares many aspects with other Asian countries, with a traditional Malay heritage, but its culture also displays a significant amount of Spanish and American influence. Filipino cuisine has evolved over several centuries from its Malayo-Polynesian origins to become a mixed cuisine with many Hispanic, Chinese, American and other Asien influences.
Many tourists come to the Philippines for beach holidays and for diving. The Philippines is one of the top three best diving destinations in the world, alongside the island nation of Palau in the Pacific Ocean and the Maldives. The Philippines has the most number of sea species concentrated in one are. The best dive sites are located in Anilao, Boracay, Malapascua, Apo Island, Balicasag, Pamilacan, Tubbataha, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. Boracay Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The island boasts a 4 kilometer stretch of white sand beach, considered to be one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. The Hundred Islands located in the Northern Philippines, is a group of more than 400 islets with coral reef surrounding the islets. These islands are famous for their beaches and the coral reefs, which can be explored by snorkeling.
About two thousand years ago, mountains in Northern Luzon were carved by indigenous people to form what is today known as the Banaue Rice Terraces. The rice terraces cover 10,000 sq. kilometers (4,000 sq. miles) of mountainside. The Banaue Rice Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and some say it is the 8th wonder of the world. The city of Cebu is also a top tourist destination in the Philippines. The country's oldest streets and city are found in this bustling metropolis. At Cebu one will also find amazing dive sites, island resorts, white-sand islets, waterfalls, lakes and mountain trails.
Getting to the Philippines is convenient as the country is well linked by air to the rest of the world. The international airports at Manila and Cebu are the only major admission points for international air travelers. Citizens of nearly all countries do not need a visa to enter the Philippines for stays of less than 22 days - you will be given a 21-day visa on arrival in the country. You must though have a valid passport and proof of an exit or onward ticket upon arrival in the country. Visa regulations in the Philippines may change, so be sure to check with a Philippine embassy or consulate before making your travel plans.
