Philippines (the): Statistical Overview

Total Population: 115,843,670

Natural Increase: 0.8%

Density: 382 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 48.6%

Population of main cities: Manila (23,371,500); Cebu (2,476,700); Davao (1,439,600); Angeles (1,332,900); Cagayan de Oro (716,100); Zamboanga (695,200); Bacolod (617,300); Iloilo (550,800)

Ethnic Origins: The population is comprised of a vast amount of ethnic communities, in particular Tagalog (around 28% of the population), Cebuano (about 13%), Ilocano (9%), Bisaya/Binisaya (7%), Hiligaynon Ilonggo (8%), Bikol (6%) and Waray (3%), with others ethnic groups representing around 26% of the population. (Philippine Statistics Authority)

Official Language: Filipino and English.

Other Languages Spoken: There are nearly 70 languages in the islands, but the most prevalent minority languages are Visayan (Cebuano), and Ilokano. Spanish is hardly used by the population.

Business Language(s): English. One may however meet Spanish speaking people.

Religion: Roman Catholic 78.8%, Muslim 6.4%, Iglesia ni Cristo 2.6%, other Christian 4%, other 8.2%

Literacy Rate: 92.6%

Area: 300,000 km²

Type of State: The Philippines is a multi-party presidential republic whereby the president is both the Head of State and of Government.

Type of Economy: Lower middle income, agricultural and manufacturing economy..
The Philippine economy is experiencing robust growth, driven by strong domestic demand and investment, although inflation and tight monetary policy pose challenges.

HDI*: 0.720/1

HDI (World Rank): 120/192

Telephone Code:
To call from the Philippines, dial 00
To call the Philippines, dial +63

Internet Suffix: .ph

Households with a computer: 23.8 per 100 Inhabitants

Telephone Lines: 4.1 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 83.8 per 100 Inhabitants

Access to Electricity: 98% of the Population