The main language spoken in the Philippines is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog. English is also an official language and is widely used in government, education, and business. Filipino and English coexist, reflecting the country's rich linguistic heritage influenced by its history, including Spanish and American colonization. There are over 175 languages and dialects spoken across the archipelago, but Filipino serves as the lingua franca, helping to unify the diverse ethnic groups and regions. The use of both languages in media and daily communication highlights the Philippines' multicultural identity.