Geography of the Philippines

The Philippines comprises more than 7000 islands and islets - depending on the tide ­which follow the edge of the Pacific plate. Together, they make up a land area of about 307,000 sq km, 94% of which is on the second largest islands.

Most of the Philippine islands are vol­canic in origin, something that becomes ob­vious when you look at the mountainous landscape. Other areas, such as the E1 Nido region of Palawan, consist of ancient coral reefs that were uplifted by tectonic activity. There are numerous active volcanoes in the Philippines - Taal Volcano and Mayon V o1cano, both in Luzon, have had signifi­cant eruptions in recent years.