Today, let's delve into the demographic landscape of the Philippines, exploring the intricacies of its population dynamics and shedding light on key factors that shape this vibrant nation's demographic profile.
Population of the Philippines: 2022-2023
In 2023, the Philippines recorded a population of 117,337,368, reflecting a 1.54% growth compared to the previous year. The 2022 population stood at 115,559,009, marking a 1.47% increase from 2021.
Population of the Philippines: growth rate, density
The Philippines experiences an annual population growth rate of 1.5%, with a current population density of 394 individuals per square kilometer (1,019 people per square mile).
Population of the Philippines by age group
The demographic distribution in the Philippines is characterized by age groups: 0–14 years constitute 29.98% of the population (male 17,006,677/female 16,036,437), 15–64 years make up 64.22% (male 35,879,693/female 34,885,763), and those aged 65 and over account for 5.80% (male 2,754,813/female 3,635,271).
Philippines population by religion
The religious landscape in the Philippines exhibits diversity, with the majority adhering to Roman Catholicism (78.8%). Other significant religious affiliations include Iglesia ni Cristo (2.6%), the Philippine Independent Church (1.4%), and Other Christians (1.9%). Islam is practiced by 6.4% of the population, while 8.9% identify with Other/None.
Muslim population in the Philippines
Islam is the second-largest religion in the Philippines, holding historical significance as the first-recorded monotheistic faith in the country. Its introduction dates back to the 14th century when Muslim Malay and Arab traders, as well as Yemeni missionaries from the Alawi tribe, established contact through Southeast Asian trade routes. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, missionaries played a pivotal role in the formation of sultanates and the expansion of Islam in mainland Mindanao and Sulu. Converts to Islam, known as the Moros, contributed to the spread of Muslim influence, reaching as far as Tondo, eventually succeeded by the Bruneian Empire's vassal-state of Maynila.
Catholic population in the Philippines
The Catholic Church exerts significant influence over Philippine society and politics, exemplified by its pivotal role in the bloodless People Power Revolution of 1986. Cardinal Jaime Sin, then-Archbishop of Manila and de facto Primate of the Philippines, played a crucial part by urging the public, via radio, to gather along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in support of rebel forces. Responding to the call between February 22–25, approximately seven million people participated, leading to the peaceful ousting of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, who went into exile in Hawaii.
Catholic holidays hold cultural importance as family occasions and are integrated into the civil calendar. Noteworthy celebrations include Christmas, incorporating civil New Year festivities, and the solemn Holy Week, observed in March or April. Additionally, every November, Filipino families unite in commemorating All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, honoring the saints and departed loved ones through activities such as visiting and cleaning ancestral graves, offering prayers, and partaking in feasts.
Catholic holidays hold cultural importance as family occasions and are integrated into the civil calendar. Noteworthy celebrations include Christmas, incorporating civil New Year festivities, and the solemn Holy Week, observed in March or April. Additionally, every November, Filipino families unite in commemorating All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, honoring the saints and departed loved ones through activities such as visiting and cleaning ancestral graves, offering prayers, and partaking in feasts.
Buddhist population in the Philippines
Buddhism in the Philippines is a minority religion, embraced by approximately 0.04% of the population, predominantly among Filipinos with Chinese heritage. Archaeological findings trace the presence of Buddhism back to the 9th century, with Vajrayana being the predominant sect during that period. However, early written records are scarce, likely due to the perishable nature of bamboo and leaf writing materials.
Before the arrival of colonists and East Asian Buddhism, indigenous Filipino folk religions were the primary spiritual practices. While independent nations forming the Philippines engaged in Buddhism, the majority adhered to indigenous beliefs. The Philippines' Vajrayana was intertwined with counterparts in India, Sri Lanka, Champa, and other regions through maritime trade routes.
The complex of esoteric Buddhism in Medieval Maritime Asia, involving Cambodia, China, and Japan, had connections that were challenging to entirely distinguish. Esoteric Buddhism coexisted with Shaivism in major port cities of South Asia. The Srivijayan Empire of Sumatra and the Majapahit Empire of Java gained recognition in 1918, thanks to George Cordes, challenging the previous lack of Western historical knowledge. The Chinese monk Yi Jin, on his journey to India, visited Sumatra in 687-689, describing the flourishing Buddhist culture in Southeast Asian islands.
For 600 years (650-1377), Palembang, Sumatra, thrived as a Buddhist cultural center. Borobodur, constructed between 770 and 825 in Central Java, stands as a testament to Srivijaya's greatness, representing Vajrayana Buddhist cosmology. The Majapahit Empire later ruled Srivijaya (1292-1478), solidifying its status as a significant Buddhist cultural hub in Southeast Asia. Both empires incorporated Vajrayana rituals alongside their strict Theravada Buddhist practices in the 7th century.
Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantric or Mantrayana Buddhism, is not a distinct sect but rather a tradition rooted in Theravada or Mahayana Buddhism. Unlike meditation-centric practices, Vajrayana emphasizes ritualistic engagement, and its esoteric teachings are transmitted exclusively through Dhamma.
Before the arrival of colonists and East Asian Buddhism, indigenous Filipino folk religions were the primary spiritual practices. While independent nations forming the Philippines engaged in Buddhism, the majority adhered to indigenous beliefs. The Philippines' Vajrayana was intertwined with counterparts in India, Sri Lanka, Champa, and other regions through maritime trade routes.
The complex of esoteric Buddhism in Medieval Maritime Asia, involving Cambodia, China, and Japan, had connections that were challenging to entirely distinguish. Esoteric Buddhism coexisted with Shaivism in major port cities of South Asia. The Srivijayan Empire of Sumatra and the Majapahit Empire of Java gained recognition in 1918, thanks to George Cordes, challenging the previous lack of Western historical knowledge. The Chinese monk Yi Jin, on his journey to India, visited Sumatra in 687-689, describing the flourishing Buddhist culture in Southeast Asian islands.
For 600 years (650-1377), Palembang, Sumatra, thrived as a Buddhist cultural center. Borobodur, constructed between 770 and 825 in Central Java, stands as a testament to Srivijaya's greatness, representing Vajrayana Buddhist cosmology. The Majapahit Empire later ruled Srivijaya (1292-1478), solidifying its status as a significant Buddhist cultural hub in Southeast Asia. Both empires incorporated Vajrayana rituals alongside their strict Theravada Buddhist practices in the 7th century.
Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantric or Mantrayana Buddhism, is not a distinct sect but rather a tradition rooted in Theravada or Mahayana Buddhism. Unlike meditation-centric practices, Vajrayana emphasizes ritualistic engagement, and its esoteric teachings are transmitted exclusively through Dhamma.
Black population in the Philippines
The indigenous people of the Philippines, referred to as the "Aeta," belong to the Negrito ethnic group, which also occupies regions in the Andaman Islands in India, Malaysia, and Thailand. Identified by their compact stature, curly hair, and dark skin, the Negritos are considered among the earliest settlers in the Philippines, dating back approximately 30,000 years. The term "Negrito" is a Spanish descriptor meaning "little black person."
Korean population in the Philippines
The Korean community in the Philippines, comprised mainly of expatriates from South Korea and individuals with Korean ancestry born in the country, stands as the second-largest Korean diaspora in Southeast Asia and the 14th globally, following communities in Kazakhstan and Vietnam. According to 2013 statistics from South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, their population was recorded at 88,102 people, reflecting a 31% decline since 2009, following a period of notable growth in the preceding decade.
The appeal for many South Koreans residing in the Philippines lies in the comparatively lower costs of English-language education and housing, which are significantly more affordable than those in their home country. Additionally, the warmer climate serves as another factor contributing to the recent uptick in migration. The Philippines has become a favored destination for retired South Koreans living on fixed pensions. The Filipino government actively encourages the settlement of South Korean retirees, recognizing the potential economic benefits for the local economy. Notably, there have been instances of North Koreans being admitted to the Philippines as migrant workers.
The appeal for many South Koreans residing in the Philippines lies in the comparatively lower costs of English-language education and housing, which are significantly more affordable than those in their home country. Additionally, the warmer climate serves as another factor contributing to the recent uptick in migration. The Philippines has become a favored destination for retired South Koreans living on fixed pensions. The Filipino government actively encourages the settlement of South Korean retirees, recognizing the potential economic benefits for the local economy. Notably, there have been instances of North Koreans being admitted to the Philippines as migrant workers.
Philippines cities by population
Quezon City leads in population with 2,761,720 residents, followed by Manila with 1,600,000, and Caloocan City with 1,500,000. Budta has a population of 1,273,715, while Davao follows closely with 1,212,504. Malingao has 1,121,974 inhabitants, and Cebu City has 798,634. General Santos and Taguig have populations of 679,588 and 644,473, respectively, while Pasig City completes the list with 617,301 residents.
Indonesia vs Philippines population
In terms of population statistics, Indonesia has a total population of 275,501,000, while the Philippines has 117,337,368 residents. The population density is higher in the Philippines, with 394.0 inhabitants per square kilometer compared to Indonesia's 144.0.
Life expectancy in both countries shows a slight difference. In Indonesia, males have an average life expectancy of 66 years, and females have an average of 70 years. In the Philippines, the life expectancy for males is 67 years, and for females, it's 71 years. The average age of the population in Indonesia is 31.1 years, whereas in the Philippines, it is younger at 24.1 years.
Regarding demographic indicators, the birth rate in Indonesia is 16.43 per thousand, while in the Philippines, it is slightly higher at 21.81 per thousand. The death rate in Indonesia is 10.07 per thousand, whereas in the Philippines, it is lower at 7.31 per thousand.
Both countries experience negative migration rates, with Indonesia at -0.05 per thousand and the Philippines at -0.69 per thousand.
Life expectancy in both countries shows a slight difference. In Indonesia, males have an average life expectancy of 66 years, and females have an average of 70 years. In the Philippines, the life expectancy for males is 67 years, and for females, it's 71 years. The average age of the population in Indonesia is 31.1 years, whereas in the Philippines, it is younger at 24.1 years.
Regarding demographic indicators, the birth rate in Indonesia is 16.43 per thousand, while in the Philippines, it is slightly higher at 21.81 per thousand. The death rate in Indonesia is 10.07 per thousand, whereas in the Philippines, it is lower at 7.31 per thousand.
Both countries experience negative migration rates, with Indonesia at -0.05 per thousand and the Philippines at -0.69 per thousand.
