Ethnic groups in the Philippines

The Philippines is inhabited by more than

175 ethnolinguistic nations, the majority of whose
languages are Austronesian in origin. Many of these
nations converted to Christianity, particularly the
lowland-coastal nations, and adopted foreign elements of
culture. Ethnolinguistic nations include
the Ilocano, Ivatan, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Tagalog, B
icolano, Visayans (Aklanon, Boholano, Butuanon, Capizno
n, Cebuano, Cuyonon, Eskaya, Hiligaynon, Karay-
a, Masbateño, Porohanon, Romblomanon, Suludnon, Suri
gaonon and Waray-Waray), Zamboangueño, Subanon,
and more.
In western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago,
there are ethnolinguistic nations who
practice Islam. The Spanish called
them Moros after the Moors, despite no
resemblance or cultural ties to them apart from
their religion. In the Agusan Marsh and the
highlands of Mindanao, there are native ethnic
groups collectively known as the Lumad. Most
maintain their animistic beliefs and traditions,
though some of them have converted to
Christianity as well.
The Negrito were among the earliest humans to
settle the Philippines. The first known were the
people of the Tabon man remains. The Negrito
population was estimated in 2004 at around
31,000. Their tribal groups include the Ati, and
the Aeta. Their ways of life remain mostly free
from Western and Islamic influences.