[a] The Hokkien people are found in significant numbers in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Myanmar, and the United States.

There are several spellings for the word Hoklo (Ho̍h-ló / Hô-ló), either phonetic or based on folk etymologies: In the Philippines, Chinese Filipinos, where most are usually of ethnic Hokkien descent, usually generally refer to themselves as Lannang (咱儂; Lán-lâng / Lán-nâng / Nán-nâng; 'Our People') or sometimes more specifically Hokkien people (福建儂; Hok-kiàn-lâng).

[16] This reflects the history of demic diffusion out of the Central Plains region and admixure with Southern tribal minorities.

Highly decorative and elaborately detailed wood inlays can be seen in the work of the Hokkien communities of Malaysia - for example, the Khoo Clan House in Penang, whereas the Fujian Assembly Hall in Malacca demonstrates the bold use of porcelain in ornamenting the pillars at its entrance.

About 70% of the Taiwanese people descend from Hoklo immigrants who arrived to the island prior to the start of Japanese rule in 1895.

In order to preserve their culture, the Hoklo along with the Punti, Hakka and Tanka people have special rights under Hong Kong law.

[20] The Hoklo or Hokkien-lang (as they are known in Southeast Asia) are the largest ethnic group among Chinese communities in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the southern part of Thailand.

In the Philippines, the Hoklo or Hokkien-lang call themselves Lannang and form the majority of the Sinitic people in the country known as Chinese Filipinos.