The Philippines is the nation most famously recognized as an archipelago of over 7,000 islands. For many years, the official count was cited as 7,107, but a 2016 survey by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) updated that total to 7,641 islands. These islands are categorized into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Only about 2,000 of these islands are inhabited, and many are so small they remain unnamed or only appear during low tide. The country's vast maritime geography makes it a global biodiversity hotspot and a premier destination for island-hopping. While other countries like Sweden and Norway technically have hundreds of thousands of "islands" (including tiny rocky islets and inland lake islands), the Philippines remains the quintessential tropical island nation where the "7,000+ islands" identity is a core part of its national brand and tourism.
The country with over 7,000 islands is the Philippines.
Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelago consisting of 7,641 islands (at low tide) as officially recorded by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). The largest islands include Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which make up the majority of the country’s land area and population.
The islands are known for their stunning beaches, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture.