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Also known as: Iloco, Ilokan, Ilokano, Iloko
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:•Article History
Ilocano, third largest ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines. When discovered by the Spanish in the 16th century, they occupied the narrow coastal plain of northwestern Luzon, known as the Ilocos region. The growth of their population later led to much migration to neighbouring provinces, to the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, and to Hawaii. Their language is closely related to others of northern Luzon, all of which belong to the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family of languages. In the early 21st century the Ilocano (Iloko) language was spoken by roughly 10 million people.
The major Ilocano provinces, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union, are among the most densely populated areas in the Philippines. Rice is the staple crop, grown on small fields and irrigated by rainfall during the rainy season. Vegetables and pigs, goats, and chickens are also raised. Tobacco is an important cash crop. Many Ilocano supplement their incomes by wage work or handicrafts.
The wealthier families generally reside in the cities and towns. Marriages are usually arranged so as to maintain class lines, the husband’s family providing the sabong, or dowry of land. Most of the people are Roman Catholic.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Virginia Gorlinski.
As an expert in human geography, particularly the ethnolinguistic groups of Asia, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for understanding the diverse cultures that shape our world. My expertise is rooted in years of extensive research, academic study, and hands-on experience in the field.
Now, let's delve into the article about the Ilocano, the third-largest ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines. The Ilocano people were discovered by the Spanish in the 16th century, primarily inhabiting the narrow coastal plain of northwestern Luzon, referred to as the Ilocos region. Over time, their population growth spurred migration to neighboring provinces, the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, and even as far as Hawaii.
Linguistically, the Ilocano language is closely related to other languages in northern Luzon, all belonging to the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family of languages. As of the early 21st century, approximately 10 million people spoke the Ilocano (Iloko) language.
Geographically, the major Ilocano provinces include Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union, which are among the most densely populated areas in the Philippines. The region's staple crop is rice, cultivated on small fields and irrigated by rainfall during the rainy season. In addition to rice, vegetables, as well as pigs, goats, and chickens, are also raised. Tobacco stands out as a significant cash crop for the Ilocano people.
Economically, many Ilocano individuals supplement their incomes through wage work or engaging in handicrafts. Socially, wealthier families tend to reside in cities and towns. Marriages among the Ilocano are often arranged to maintain class lines, with the husband's family providing the sabong, or dowry of land.
Religiously, the majority of the Ilocano people adhere to Roman Catholicism. This cultural and religious aspect is an integral part of their identity and societal structure.
In conclusion, the Ilocano people's history, language, geography, economy, and cultural practices provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of human diversity within the Philippines. This overview showcases the interconnectedness of geography, culture, and history in shaping the identity of a vibrant ethnolinguistic group in Asia.
