Fact Finder - Geography

As an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is uniquely positioned at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Its capital, Manila, is located on Luzon, the largest and most populous island. One of the most unique geographical features of the Philippines is the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, which consist of at least 1,260 uniform conical hills that turn brown during the dry season. The country also boasts the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Geologically, it is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, home to famous volcanoes like Mount Mayon, known for its near-perfect cone shape, and Mount Pinatubo. The archipelago is divided into three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Because it is surrounded by deep ocean trenches, including the Philippine Trench, the country is one of the most seismically active places on Earth.