and islets set in deep blue waters that contain some of the richest (a)   (2) life systems on earth.

It is the (a)   (3) largest archipelago in the world after Indonesia. However, the Philippines is more compact so interisland travel is easy.

Only (a)   (4) are inhabited, and no more than

about (a)   (5) area larger than 1 km²;

2,500 are not even named. Our country has a strategic position separating the (a)   (6) and the Pacific Ocean,

and the (a)   (7) Sea in the south. Because of its position, the country's history shows it as a regional trading center, battleground, and cultural meeting point.

Neighboring countries are (a)   (8) to the north,

, (a)   (9) to the southwest,

(a)   (10) to the south,

, (a)   (11) to the west,

and the (a)   (12) group to the west.

Off the eastern shore lies the (a)   ,(13) one of the world’s deepest points, reaching 10,500 m below sea level.

The Philippines is the home of (a)   (14) of coral reefs in the world. Many sports divers and underwater photographers come to the Philippines from all over the world to see the beauty and richness of our marine life.

(a)   (15) of these tourists are Japanese.