People
and culture
Population. Based on the May 2000 census, Albay has a total population
of 1,090,907, which makes it the 22nd most populous province in the
country. There are 208,640 households in the province with an average
size of 5.22 persons, significantly higher than the national average
of 4.99.
Languages.
Bikol is the primary language spoken in Albay, being a part of the Bicol
Region. There are other dialects spoken in the province, however, such
as Bicolano Viejo, Daragueño, Legazpeño or Albayanon,
Oasnon and others. The dialects spoken in the coastal areas of the province
are similar to that spoken in Camarines Sur while those further inland
are similar to each other but differs significantly from the coastal
dialect. Majority of the inhabitants also understand Tagalog and English.