The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia, surrounded by various bodies of water. The countries that are nearest to the Philippines include:
- Taiwan: Located to the north of the Philippines, Taiwan is separated by the Bashi Channel. The proximity allows for cultural and economic interactions between the two regions.
- Vietnam: To the west of the Philippines, Vietnam is situated across the South China Sea. The two countries share maritime boundaries and have historical ties.
- Malaysia: Located to the southwest, Malaysia shares maritime borders with the Philippines, particularly through the Sulu Sea. Both countries have rich cultural exchanges due to their proximity.
- Indonesia: To the south, Indonesia is another neighboring country that shares the sea with the Philippines. The proximity of the islands leads to shared biodiversity and cultural links.
In addition, the Philippines is relatively close to other countries in the region, including Brunei and even further on the other side, the Pacific nations like Palau. These geographic neighbors contribute to the diverse interactions and relationships in Southeast Asia.