Language And Religion Of Manila

Immigration of alien people and the structure of the country i.e. an archipelago of 7107 islands, have resulted in a multiplicity of languages, linguistic groups and hence spoken dialects. Today about 80 significantly different dialects are spoken.

Broadly speaking there are 11 cultural and racial groups each with its own language. The major linguistic group is Tagalog, on which is based te national language, Filipino. Other prominent ones are Ilocano, Cebuano, Hiligay-non, Bicolano, Waray, Pam-pango and Pangasinese.

English is widely used in government offices and private business and is also taught in schools. Spanish, Arabic and Chinese are spoken by a minority of the population.

With over 90% of its population claiming to be Christians, Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia. Muslims constituting a majority of the minority religious groups make up for 8% and are concentrated around the islands of Mindanao and Sulu.

More than 80% of the Christians are Roman Catholics. However, about 4% of the Filipinos belong to the Philippine Independant Church, founded by Gregorio Agliplay. The Protestants i.e. the Iglesia ni Kristo community are about 4% while the Baptists, Methodist, Mormons, Jehovah's, etc. constitute another 2%.

There is no marked wet or dry season, as rain falls throughout the year. The showers are brief, heavy and refreshing. However, owing to the north-east monsoon, there is more rain from November to January than the rest of the year.