Information: A country.

The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of about 7,641 islands that are categorized broadly under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Philippines' location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and close to the equator makes the Philippines prone to earthquakes and typhoons, but also endows it with abundant natural resources and some of the world's greatest biodiversity.

The islands were ceded by Spain to the United States as a result of the latter's victory in the Spanish–American War. The Americans then suppressed rebellious sub-states: mainly, the waning Sultanate of Sulu, as well as the insurgent Tagalog Republic, the Cantonal Republic of Negros in the Visayas, and the Republic of Zamboanga in Mindanao.

Plans for independence over the next decade were interrupted by World War II when the Japanese Empire invaded. The Japanese Empire only controlled 12 out of 48 provinces. While remaining loyal to the United States, many Filipinos hoped and believed that liberation from the Japanese would bring them freedom and their already-promised independence.

The Philippines became independent from the United States on July 4, 1946.

National Dances: Cariñosa, Tinikling

Location: Asia, Far East

Language: Filipino, English

Religion: The Philippines is an officially secular state, although Christianity is the dominant faith.