Origins & History
Filipino ethnic identity draws from Austronesian peoples who settled the Philippine archipelago beginning around 3,000 BCE, later shaped by trade with China, India, and the Islamic world. Nearly four centuries of Spanish colonization (1565–1898) and half a century of American administration produced a distinctive culture blending indigenous Austronesian roots with Iberian and North American influences.
Geographic Distribution
Approximately 115 million people identify as ethnic Filipino, the vast majority living in the Philippines itself. Major subgroups include Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Bicolano populations, each with distinct languages and regional identities. English and Filipino (based on Tagalog) are the official languages.
Diaspora & Migration
The Filipino diaspora numbers around 12 million people, one of the most globally distributed of any ethnic group. Major communities live in the United States (over 4 million), Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Filipino overseas workers play significant roles in healthcare, domestic work, and maritime industries worldwide.
About This Map
This map reflects where visitors perceive Filipino populations. Given the extensive global Filipino diaspora, results may be notably distributed rather than concentrated in a single region.
The map above shows crowd opinion, not official demographic data. Vote on the main map to contribute your own perception of where Filipino populations live.