Why in the news?

  • A Strong Earthquake took place in Central Philippines causing loss of 22 lives and damage to properties.

Philippines

  • Location: It is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia which is situated in the western Pacific Ocean
  • Capital: Manila
  • Bordering Waterbodies: South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Celebes Sea.
  • Maritime Border Countries: Taiwan, Japan, Palau, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and China.
  • Highest mountain: Mount Apo
  • Geographical Significance: Situated on the western fringes of the Pacific Ring of Fire and it is a seismically active zone
  • Climate: Tropical maritime climate that is usually hot and humid.
  • International Cooperation:
    • Philippines is a founding member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and is a member of the East Asia Summit, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Group of 24, and the Non-Aligned Movement.
    • The Philippines has claims in the Spratly Islands which overlap with claims by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam