Exploring the Wonderous Geography and Biodiversity of the Philippines

The Philippines comprises over 7,600 islands, making it an archipelago. It's located in the western Pacific Ocean, providing a rich biodiversity both on land and underwater, including numerous endemic species.

Bohol's Chocolate Hills are a geological formation of over 1,200 symmetrical mounds that turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolate kisses. This unique landscape is a Philippine icon.

Taal Volcano, situated on an island in a lake, is considered one of the world's smallest active volcanoes. Despite its size, it's one of the deadliest, with eruptions causing significant damage.

The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, the epicenter for marine biodiversity. Scientists have found that the Verde Island Passage holds the highest concentration of marine life on Earth.

The 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site, carved into the mountains without modern machinery by the Ifugao people and are often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.'

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan is the longest navigable underground river globally, stretching over 8 kilometers. It features a second floor, indicating the presence of waterfalls inside the cave.

With over 170 languages spoken, the Philippines is a linguistically diverse country. However, only two languages, Filipino and English, are official at the national level, emphasizing the country's complex cultural tapestry.

The Philippines once had 7,641 islands, but recent surveys revealed 500 'new' ones due to advanced mapping!