The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands with less than a third being inhabited. The islands are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It is the 7th most populated country in Asia and the 12th most in the world. The country’s diverse ecosystems along with its even more diverse cultural history make it one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Home to lively festivals, noisy cities and villages, tropical rainforests, and lovely beaches, the Philippines is a unique jewel in Southeast Asia. These treasures are outshined only by the welcoming and irrepressible Filipino people.