The primary language of the Philippines is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog. Filipino is one of the official languages of the country and serves as a lingua franca among its diverse population, which speaks over 175 languages and dialects. The language was standardly developed and designated as the national language in 1987 to promote national unity. English is also an official language and is widely used in government, education, and business. The combination of Filipino and English, often referred to as "Taglish," is commonly spoken in daily conversations, reflecting the country's rich linguistic and cultural heritage.