-also known today as the "Republic of the Philippines", with its capital, Manila
-The Philippines contains about 7,107 islands total called the "Philippine Archipelago"
-Total land area is 300,000 square kilometers/116,000 square miles
-72nd largest country by area
-lies between 116° 40' and 126° 34' E. longitude, and 4° 40' and 21° 10' N. latitude
-surrounded by the Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and the Celebes Sea
-weather is hot and humid and has a tropical climate
-the Philippines goes by three seasons: Tag-init/Tag-araw(Hot Season/summer), Tug-ulan(rainy season), and Taglamig(Winter/cold season)
-It has a mountainous geography filled with volcanoes that are active and dormant
-Their economy is very well industrialized and very efficient
-They have many rivers including the Cagayan River and the Pasig river
-There is a great number of bays and gulfs near the Philippines
