Philippines

Composed of over 7000 islands, the Philippines is the second-largest archipelago after Indonesia, with a total coastline that is longer than that of the USA. The Philippines offers dramatic landscapes and thriving cities, with a culture that blends eastern and western influences with a traditional and contemporary vibe. In Manila, real estate prices have grown over 15% in upscale neighborhoods over the last year, driven by growth in the call center industry and foreign investment. At the beach, retirees report that living in the Philippines is like living in Hawaii ? one can assume a laid-back island way of life with amenities such as golf and water sports ? at a fraction of the cost.