Palawan is a melting pot of 87 different cultural groups and races. Basically, the people are of Malay origin, with sprinkling of Chinese and Spanish bloodlines. Its culture has a strong influence from Borneo, China and the Middle East. Influx of migrants from other parts of the Philippines accounts for the high population growth rate of 3.98% annually. Eighteen percent of the population is composed of cultural minority groups such as Tagbanua, Pinalawan, Batak, Ken-uy (Tau’t Batu), Calamian, Jama-Mapuns, Molbog, Tausug and Samal-Bangingi.