Philippines

The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. In the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of 7,641 islands, with a total area of 300,000 square kilometers, which are broadly categorized in three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines is bounded by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. It shares maritime borders with Taiwan to the north, Japan to the northeast, Palau to the east and southeast, Indonesia to the south, Malaysia to the southwest, Vietnam to the west, and China to the northwest. It is the world's twelfth-most-populous country, with diverse ethnicities and cultures. Manila is the country's capital, and its most populated city is Quezon City. Both are within Metro Manila.

Some of the key events about Philippines

1521
The first circumnavigation of the globe was completed, with the expedition reaching the Philippines
1521
The first circumnavigation expedition led to Spanish colonization of the Philippines
1565
The first permanent Spanish settlement in the Philippines was established in Cebu
1762
British forces occupied Manila during the Seven Years' War
1863
The first railway in Southeast Asia opened in the Philippines
1872
Three Filipino priests were executed, sparking nationalist sentiments
1896
The Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule began
1898
The Philippines declared independence from Spain
1899
The Philippine-American War started, resulting in significant casualties
1935
The Commonwealth of the Philippines was established, granting more autonomy to the country
1942
Japan invaded and occupied the Philippines during World War II
1946
The Philippines gained full independence from the United States
1965
Martial law was declared, leading to human rights abuses and economic decline
1983
A prominent opposition leader was assassinated, triggering widespread protests
1986
The People Power Revolution peacefully overthrew the authoritarian regime
1991
Mount Pinatubo erupted, causing widespread destruction and economic losses
1992
The U.S. military bases in the Philippines were closed, marking a new era of sovereignty
2010
The Philippines held its first automated national elections
2013
Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated parts of the Philippines, causing thousands of deaths
2015
The Philippines hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit

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