The Philippines has a population of approximately 118 million people in 2025, making it the 13th most populous country in the world and the second most populous in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. Spread across an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands in the western Pacific, this large and youthful population continues to grow steadily, shaping the country's economy, culture, and influence in the region.
How Many People Live in the Philippines?
With roughly 118 million residents, the Philippines accounts for about 1.4% of the global population. That places it just behind countries like Russia, Mexico, and Ethiopia in the world rankings, and ahead of Egypt and Vietnam. Within Southeast Asia, only Indonesia (around 280 million) has more people.
What makes the figure remarkable is how it is distributed. The population is not concentrated in one place but scattered across thousands of inhabited islands, with three main groupings: Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the centre, and Mindanao in the south. Luzon alone is home to roughly half of all Filipinos, anchored by the sprawling metropolis of Metro Manila.
Population Growth and Fertility Trends
The Philippine population grows at an annual rate of about 1.54%, one of the higher rates in Asia. In practical terms, the country adds roughly 1.8 million people every year, equivalent to a city the size of Vienna appearing each year.
This growth is the legacy of a high fertility rate that has only gradually declined. In the 1960s, Filipino women had an average of around 7 children; today the figure is closer to 2.7, still above the regional average and just above the replacement level of 2.1. The Reproductive Health Act of 2012 expanded access to contraception and family-planning services, though implementation has been uneven, partly because of opposition from the Catholic Church. Demographers project the population will reach about 145 million by 2050 before growth begins to taper off.
The Largest Cities
The Philippines is heavily urbanised, with more than half its people living in towns and cities. The largest urban centres include:
- Metro Manila — the National Capital Region, with more than 14 million residents across its 16 cities. The City of Manila proper packs about 1.8 million people into just 43 km², making it one of the most densely populated cities on Earth.
- Davao City — located on Mindanao with roughly 1.8 million people, it is one of the largest cities in the world by land area.
- Cebu City — home to about 1 million residents, it is the oldest European settlement in the country and the commercial heart of the Visayas.
Rapid urban growth has brought economic dynamism but also challenges such as traffic congestion, housing shortages, and pressure on infrastructure, especially in the Metro Manila region.
Demographics and Society
The Philippines has an exceptionally young population, with a median age of around 25 years. This "demographic dividend" gives the country a large working-age population relative to dependents, a potential engine for future economic growth if matched with jobs and education.
The nation is also strikingly diverse, with more than 175 ethnolinguistic groups. The largest are the Tagalog (about 28%) and the Bisaya or Visayan peoples (about 11%). Filipino, based on Tagalog, and English are the two official languages, and English proficiency is widespread. Around 86% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, making the Philippines one of only two predominantly Catholic nations in Asia, alongside East Timor. Overall, more than 90% of the population identifies as Christian, with a significant Muslim minority concentrated in parts of Mindanao.
One distinctive feature of Philippine demographics is its global footprint: around 10 million Filipinos, roughly a tenth of the population, live and work overseas. These overseas Filipino workers send home about $36 billion in remittances each year, a flow of money that sustains millions of households and forms a vital pillar of the national economy. For broader context on geography, history, and culture, see our philippines country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of the Philippines in 2025?
The Philippines has an estimated population of about 118 million people in 2025, ranking it as the 13th most populous country in the world.
Is the population of the Philippines growing?
Yes. The population grows at roughly 1.54% per year, adding about 1.8 million people annually. Growth is expected to continue until the population reaches around 145 million by 2050.
What is the most populous city in the Philippines?
Metro Manila is the largest urban area, with over 14 million residents. The City of Manila proper holds about 1.8 million people in a very small area, making it one of the densest cities on the planet.
What is the population density of the Philippines?
The Philippines has a population density of roughly 393 people per square kilometre, though this varies enormously, with dense urban islands like Luzon contrasting with sparsely settled rural areas.