Labels:text | font | black and white | screenshot | document OCR: The Philippines encompasses more than 100 distinct ethnic groups. The majority of Filipinos are of Malay origin, and Christian. Most Christians belong to the Tagalog, Cebuano, Llocan, Longgo, Bicolano, Waray, Pampangueno or Pangasinense ethnic groups. They are concentrated on the main island, Luzon, and are a majority on Mindanao. Most Muslims also live on Mindanao, but many are also found in the Sulu archipelago. The Chinese minority, which was well established by 1603, has remained significant in business and trade. More than 120 Chinese schools have ensured that it has retained a distinct identity. There are also a number of cultural minorities who practice animist religions. They include the Ifugaos, Bontocks, Kalingas and Ibalois on Luzon, the Manobo and Bukidnon on Mindanao, and the Mangyans on Palawan. Many of these groups speak Malayo- Polynesian dialects. Limited intermarriage with other peoples has meant that groups in the more remote regions have managed to retain their traditional ways of life. The Philippines is the only Christian state in Asia; over 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholics and the Church is the dominant cultural force in the country. It opposes state-sponsored family planning programs, designed to curb accelerating population growth, currently at 2% a year. Women have traditionally played a prominent part in Philippine life. Inheritance laws give them equal rights with men. Many go into politics, banking and business, and in several professions women form a majority.
