Religion in the Philippines
Asia's largest Catholic nation, with a deep Muslim heritage in the south and faith woven through daily life.
Quick answer
- Catholics: 78.8 percent of the household population in the 2020 census.
- Muslims: 6.4 percent, mostly in Mindanao, and about 91 percent of people in the Bangsamoro region (BARMM).
- Iglesia ni Cristo: 2.6 percent, the largest church founded in the Philippines.
- In daily life: fiestas for patron saints, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi, and religious images in jeepneys and shops.
- For visitors: dress modestly in churches and mosques and respect services in progress.
The Philippines is the largest Catholic country in Asia. In the 2020 census, the Philippine Statistics Authority counted 78.8 percent of the household population as Roman Catholic, 6.4 percent as Muslim and 2.6 percent as members of the Iglesia ni Cristo. Many other Protestant and independent churches make up most of the rest.
Catholic traditions
Catholicism arrived with Spain in the 16th century and blended with older local beliefs. You will see it everywhere:
- Town fiestas for each place’s patron saint, with Masses, processions and feasts.
- The Santo Niño, the Child Jesus, honoured in January at Sinulog and Ati-Atihan.
- Holy Week, with processions, passion plays and the Visita Iglesia, a visit to seven churches.
- Simbang Gabi, nine dawn Masses before Christmas. See our guide to Christmas in the Philippines.
- Old stone churches, including four UNESCO-listed Baroque churches. See our Baroque churches guide.
Islam
Islam reached the southern islands in the 14th century, before the Spanish. The sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao resisted Spanish rule for centuries. Today most Filipino Muslims live in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), about 91 percent of people are Muslim. Mosques such as the grand mosque in Cotabato City are among the most striking buildings in the south.
Iglesia ni Cristo and other churches
The Iglesia ni Cristo, founded in the Philippines in 1914, is the largest church that began in the country. Its tall, pointed chapels are easy to spot in many towns. The Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan) broke away from Rome during the revolution era, and many evangelical and Protestant churches are active too.
Older beliefs
Indigenous beliefs live on in many communities, especially in the Cordillera and among Mindanao’s Lumad peoples. Folk traditions also survive alongside Christianity, such as the healers of Siquijor.
Tips for visitors
- Dress modestly in churches and mosques; cover shoulders and knees.
- Be quiet and respectful during services, and ask before taking photos.
- Plan around Holy Week and Christmas, the busiest travel periods. See our guide to the best time to visit.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What is the main religion in the Philippines?
Roman Catholicism. The 2020 census counted 78.8 percent of the household population as Catholic.
Where do most Muslims live?
In Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), about 91 percent of people are Muslim.
What is the Iglesia ni Cristo?
A Christian church founded in the Philippines in 1914. It is known for its distinctive pointed churches and had 2.6 percent of the population in 2020.
Can visitors go into churches?
Yes. Dress modestly, keep quiet, and avoid walking around or taking photos during Mass.
How does religion affect travel?
Holy Week and Christmas are the busiest travel periods, and many festivals are religious. Some businesses close on Good Friday.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
