English and Filipino, also known as Tagalog, are the two major languages. English is used for government, business, and higher education. It is also used for teaching in some schools, but used for math and science in all schools. Tagalog originated from a dialect in Lozon. Many groups that speak more than one language or dialect hesitated to adapt to Filipino in the 1960s because it was based off of Tagalog. The Philippines is mainly a Christian nation. 81% belongs to a Roman Catholic Church, 2% belongs to a Aglipayan, or independent church, 10% belong to other Christian churches, 5% are Muslim. Muslim Moros live primarily on the southern islands. There is violence between Muslims and Christians.
The economy is made up of services, making 57% of gross domestic product or GDP. Filipinos are predominantly employees in U.S. companies. 32% of labor force employed for agriculture.