Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelagic state in Southeast Asia comprising thousands of islands, with its capital at Manila. Colonised by Spain and later ceded to the United States, it endured Japanese occupation before gaining independence in 1946. A predominantly Catholic and ethnically diverse republic, it occupies a strategic position along major Pacific sea lanes.
- Existed: 1946 CE – present
- Type: Country
- Government: Presidential republic
- Capital: Manila