The earliest inhabitants of the Philippines were the Negritos. The Malays colonized the land in a series of landings from the second century BC. The Malays constitute the majority of the population.
European colonization was introduced by the Spaniards, when Magellan reached them in 1521. The Spanish named the islands " The Philippines" after their own crown prince, Philip.
After the Spanish-American War of 1898, these islands came under American control. The Filipino however demanded independence. After a few politically eventful decades, the Philippines gained independence.
The Filipinos are predominantly Roman Catholic. There are Muslim and Protestant minorities.
Filipino is the national language while English is widely understood and spoken.
The legislature is bicameral. The President is the head of the republic.
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