The Philippines is a vast archipelago consisting of approximately 7,641 islands, covering a total area—including inland waters—of around 300,000 square kilometers. Stretching 1,850 kilometers from north to south, the country is bordered by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the west, and the Sulu and Celebes Seas to the southwest. Its largest islands—Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate—constitute about 95% of its landmass.
The nation boasts one of the world’s longest coastlines, measuring roughly 36,289 kilometers, and its exclusive economic zone spans over 2.26 million square kilometers. The highest peak, Mount Apo on Mindanao, rises to 2,954 meters above sea level, while the Cagayan River in northern Luzon is the longest river, stretching 520 kilometers. Manila Bay, home to the country's capital, Manila, is linked to Laguna de Bay—its largest lake—via the Pasig River.
Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity, with daily earthquakes, though most are minor. Notable quakes occurred in 1976 in the Moro Gulf and 1990 in Luzon. The country has 23 active volcanoes, including Mayon, Taal, Canlaon, and Bulusan, which have historically exhibited significant eruptions.
Its geological complexity and seismic activity have endowed the country with valuable mineral resources, including substantial deposits of gold, copper, palladium, chromium, nickel, platinum, and zinc. However, challenges such as poor management, environmental concerns, and opposition from indigenous communities have hindered extensive extraction.
The Philippines experiences a tropical maritime climate characterized by warmth and humidity. The country has three distinct seasons: a hot, dry period from March to May, a rainy season spanning June to November, and a cool, dry phase from December to February. The southwest monsoon, known as habitat, prevails from May to October, while the northeast monsoon, or amihan, dominates from November to April. January is typically the coolest month, while May is the hottest.
Despite variations in altitude, temperatures at sea level remain fairly consistent nationwide, averaging around 26.6°C (79.9°F). However, higher elevations, such as Baguio at 1,500 meters above sea level, experience cooler conditions, averaging 18.3°C (64.9°F). Humidity is generally high, averaging 82%, with annual rainfall varying from over 5,000 millimeters (200 inches) in the mountainous eastern regions to less than 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) in sheltered valleys.
The country falls within a typhoon-prone zone, with an average of 19 typhoons passing through its area of responsibility each year, most frequently between July and October. Around eight or nine of these storms make landfall. The wettest recorded typhoon struck Baguio in July 1911, bringing 2,210 millimeters (87 inches) of rain over four days. Due to its geographical location, the Philippines ranks among the ten most climate-vulnerable nations globally.
The Philippines plays a significant role in international diplomacy as a founding and active member of the United Nations. It has served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and has contributed to peacekeeping missions, notably in East Timor. The country is also a key participant in regional organizations like ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Additionally, it has sought observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and was previously a member of SEATO. The global presence of over 10 million Filipinos living and working in 200 countries enhances the country's soft power.
In the 1990s, the Philippines pursued economic liberalization and free trade to attract foreign investment. It is a member of the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. As part of ASEAN, the country entered the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement in 2010 and joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in 2023. It has also signed free trade agreements with multiple nations, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, along with bilateral agreements with Japan, South Korea, and select European nations.
The Philippines maintains a longstanding relationship with the United States, marked by economic and security ties. Its strategic location plays a vital role in U.S. military strategy in the Pacific, with defense agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. While ties with the U.S. weakened under President Duterte in favor of improved relations with China and Russia, the Philippines continues to rely on American support for its external defense.
Since 1975, the Philippines has fostered strong relations with China, its top trading partner, and collaborates extensively with the country. Japan remains the largest bilateral contributor of development assistance, despite historical tensions from World War II. The nation's ties with Spain are shaped by shared history and culture, while relations with Middle Eastern countries are influenced by the presence of millions of Filipino workers in the region.
The Philippines' territorial claims in the South China Sea, particularly in the Spratly Islands, have led to disputes with China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The country won an international arbitration case against China over the Scarborough Shoal dispute, but China rejected the ruling, further intensifying the geopolitical conflict.
Its military is composed of the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by civilian security forces. Defense spending primarily addresses internal threats like communist insurgencies and separatist movements. A modernization program initiated in 1995 and expanded in 2012 aims to strengthen its defense capabilities. The nation has faced ongoing struggles with terrorism, separatist movements, and guerrilla warfare, though key peace agreements have reduced the influence of militant groups.