The history of the state known to us as the Philippines began when the Spanish explorer Rui López de Villalobos named the islands of the archipelago, first visited by Europeans on the Magellan expedition in 1521, after the prince and later King Philip II of Spain - Las Islas Filipinas. It happened in 1543. And until the end of the nineteenth century, the islands were part of the Spanish Empire.

In the pre-Spanish period, the islands were already inhabited by the Negro peoples (aeta) - the Australoids and the settlers of the second and third waves - the Australoesians, in other words - the Malaysians.

There are several theories about who were the first settlers in the Philippines, how their development went through the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Metal Age, there is no accurate opinion when human-like people first appeared on the islands - fifty or twenty thousand years ago, but anthropologists, historians and geologists more or less converged on the fact that in the fifth century there was already a civilization.

It is believed that in the eighth century the Philippines was visited by Chinese traders, and in the fourteenth century Arabs brought Islam to the archipelago.

By the end of the eighteenth century, resistance to Spanish rule had emerged among the Muslim and Chinese diaspora. Within a hundred years, Spanish speaking Filipino Catholics, mestizos and Creoles had joined the struggle for independence.

In 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War, the Philippines passed to the United States. Around the same time, the leaders of the rebel movement declared their independence. The Philippines-American War began, which continued unofficially until 1913. Only in 1935, the Philippines received autonomy status within the U.S. and achieved final independence in 1946.

The same year, the Philippine language became official. At the heart of it is Tagalog (the language of the capital and the revolutions), with inclusions of Spanish and English. It belongs to the Australian language family. English is also the official language.

Manila is a conglomerate of 18 cities that form a single metropolis. There is an interestingly designed Museum of the National Hero of Dr. Riesal and his national park, a memorial with mosaic maps of the battles for the Philippines, the national exhibition WOW Philippines, an ancient stone church, museums.

In the oldest district of the capital there is an interesting Santiago Fort (16th century), miraculously preserved after the most brutal bombing of the city in 1945. No less interesting is the Catholic Cathedral of Manila, St. Augustine's Cathedral, as well as Rojas Bulvar Street, given for numerous entertainment facilities for adults.

In the province of Benghet, 250 km from Manila, is interesting mountain resort Bagio - "summer" capital of the country, located at an altitude of 1525 m above sea level. In addition to mild climate and clean air, there are interesting sights there: Menshn Mansion (summer residence of the government of the country), "Bell Temple", picturesque crystalline massifs of surrounding rocks and ancient burial places. Nearby is the Lingayen bay with "one hundred islands", which are actually about 400.

To the heap: snorkeling, water skiing and parasailing, canoe trips around the islands, trekking and mountaineering, cycling and speleology, beach volleyball, Frisbee and basketball, golf.

Some resorts have a very vibrant nightlife with night clubs, discos and disco bars, outdoor dance floors, beach parties, casinos and gaming rooms.

Diving in the Philippines is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world. You bet: tropical seas washing 7 thousand Philippine islands are constantly enriched by currents coming from the shores of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, South China and Indian Seas, and even the legendary "diving sea" Sulawesi. That is why there is such an amazing variety of corals, sponges and gorgonariums, fish and shells, invertebrates and other marine life off the coast of the archipelago.

The beach of Puraran on Catanduanes, southeast of Luzon, is considered one of the main surf destinations in the Philippines. Northwest of Manila, you can ride the wave in Bagasbasa, San Fernando or San Juan. Northeast of Luzon is known for the small town of Baller, which, by the way, has made several famous Hollywood movies. All these places are no more than four hours away by bus from the capital. Other popular surf spots on Luzon are Pugudpud, La Union for Beginners, Vigan and Zambales in the west of the island. The latter is perfect for beginners thanks to its convenient sandy water inlet.

Boracay also has some good waves on Balabog beach. In January, it even hosts the International Funboard Cup.

The Philippines is ranked 12th among the world's most populous countries, with a population of 90 million.

The Philippines has over 200 volcanoes, although only a few are active.

The Philippine flag is the only flag in the world where colors can be changed in places: in wartime, the upper band turns red, the lower band turns blue, and in peacetime, vice versa.

In the Philippine Tabon Cave Complex, fossils of Man of Reason were found. According to research, this area was inhabited about fifty thousand years ago.

On the slopes of the Philippine Cordilleras are Rice Terraces, whose history counts two thousand years. They are considered UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The first European to visit the Philippines was the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

The highest point of the Philippines is Mount Apo, located on the island of Mindanao, its height reaches 2 954 meters.

About 80% of the country's population is Catholic.

The Philippine people have different ethnic origins, such as Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American, etc.

This country received its name after King Philip II of Spain.

The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is named after the mangrove tree with white flowers (nilad).

Between 1521 and 1898, the Philippines was a Spanish colony. Subsequently, the archipelago was taken over by the United States.