| The majority of Philippine people are of Malay stock, descendants of Indonesians and Malays who migrated to the islands long before the Christian era. The most significant ethnic minority group is the Chinese, who have played an important role in commerce since the ninth century, when they first came to the islands to trade. As a result of intermarriage, many Filipinos have some Chinese and Spanish ancestry. Americans and Spaniards constitute the next largest alien minorities in the country.
Population (2000 census): 76.5 million. GovernmentÕs estimate for 2003: 82.0 million
Annual growth rate: 2.36%.Ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese.
Religions: Catholic 85%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 1%.
Languages: Pilipino (based on Tagalog), national language; English, language of government and instruction in education.
Education: .Years compulsory: 6 (note: 6 years of primary education free and compulsory; 4 years of secondary education free but not compulsory). .Attendance: 97% in elementary grades, 66% in secondary grades. .Literacy: 92.3%.Health: .Infant mortality rate ( 2002): 29 per 1,000. .Life expectancy ( 2003): 67.2 yrs. for males; 72.5 yrs. for females. Work force ( 2003): 34.6 million. Services (including commerce and government): 48%; agriculture: 36%; industry: 16%.
|