An archipelago of 7,107 islands north of the equator, off the southeast coast of the Asian mainland. The archipelago is divided into 3 major island groups. Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Many of the islands are of volcanic origin. The Philippines has more than 200 volcanoes, 21 of which are active. Numerous fault lines crisscross the islands, making it one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world. Despite the number of calamities ranging from earthquakes to typhoons, the Philippines is an inviting place, blessed with majestic mountain peaks, white sand beaches, countryside, and a generally warm climate.

The island of Luzon stretches from the Babuyan Channel to the San Bernardino Strait and is highly irregular in shape, with almost 5,000 kms. of coastline. Northern Luzon dominated by two mountain ranges that run parallel from the north to the south. It is the home of the country’s capital of Manila.

The Visayas consist of the large central group of islands between Luzon and Mindanao and compromises 6 of the 11 major islands of the Philippines. The islands are known for a slower pace of life than Luzon, delectable seafood and fruit, and the attractive lift of the local dialects.

Mindanao is the second largest of the islands and like Luzon; its configuration is irregular, featuring a series of peninsulas, bays, and gulfs. It is a mountainous region with several major ranges. The island, together with Sulu, is the heartland of Islam in the Philippines and is the home to the majority of tribes’ people that have still preserved their ancient traditions.