an archipelago of 7083 islands in the Pacific, SE of China: formerly (1898–1946) under the guardianship of the U.S.; now an independent republic. 76,103,564; 114,830 sq. mi. (297,410 sq. km). Capital:Manila.
Also called Philippine Islands.
Formerly (1935–46), Commonwealth of the Philippines.
[fil-uh-peenz, fil-uh-peenz] 
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