Philippines - Useful information for your trip

The Philippines are an island state in South-East Asia, in the Pacific Ocean. The capital city is Manila. Its location in the Ring of Fire and its tropical climate make it easily subject to earthquakes and typhoons. Its archipelago, characterized by a rich biodiversity, includes 7107 islands, divided into three geographic regions, Luzon in the north, Visayas in the center and Mindanao in the south.

Most of the islands of the Philippines are mountainous and of volcanic origin, covered by tropical forest. The highest mountain is Mount Apo (2954 m), on Mindanao island. The Philippine Trench is the deepest point within the state's borders. The longest river is Rio Grande de Cayagan, in the northern part of Luzon island. The largest lake is Laguna de Bay, while the main volcanoes, active and with frequent seismic activity, are Mayon, Pinatubo and Taal.

The climate is tropical and the year is divided up into three seasons: summer from March to May, the wet season, from June to November and the cold season from December to Febraury. Two are the monsoon seasons, one humid and one dry. Habagat monsoon blows south-west from May to October, while Amihan monsoon blows north-east, from November to April. Hurricanes are frequent in the entire archipelago from July to October.

Philippines are one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Its flora and fauna are extremely rich. Endemic species include Mindoro tamaraw and Bohol tarsier. Native animals include the Philippine eagle, the Asian palm civet, tragulids, Visayan warty pig and the Philippine crocodile, a seriously endangered species.

The economy of the Philippines is mainly based on the export of semiconductors, electronic products, apparel, vehicles, coconut oil, oil and copper products. Thanks to its position in the sea, fishing is also relevant, along with all activities related to nature, such as agriculture and livestock, even though it's the service sector which takes up 57% of GDP. Furthermore, the Philippines are considered a tax haven.

During your stay in the Philippines, there are many places to visit: beautiful Bocaray island, quaint San Augustin Church in Manila, Banaue terraces in Luzon, Rizal Park in Manila and stunning Chocolate Hills.