The people of the Philippines (Filipinos) are renowned for their friendly, happy, caring nature. A warm welcome is guaranteed wherever you go.
With a population of just short of 103 million, the Philippines is the twelfth most populous country in the world.
The culture of the Philippines is as rich and colourful as its history and its vehicles. The historical influence of the Chinese, Arabs, Spanish and Americans still reflect strongly in the islands; in their food, language and religion. Filipinos are still often referred to as the Latinos of Asia and 86% of the population regard themselves as Roman Catholics.
The population is comparatively youthful, with a median age of just over 24.
The official languages of the islands are Filipino (which has many different dialects) and English of which 74% of the population speak.