Hey there, and welcome to FFXIV! Â It's always good to see more new folks comin' in. 
 As far as  your questions go, uh...
1.) Â I don't think any kind of census was ever taken on this (and I can only speak for Balmung), but I can say with certainty that everywhere you go, there WILL be RPers and nonRPers mingling together. Â There are certain areas where you see more RPers (such as bars/taverns in the game), but there seems to be a relatively even split? Â I generally assume there's usually more nonRPers afoot. Â I think both servers are fairly open to new folks, the hardest part would be getting a new character on the server during openings. Â Balmung's openings tend to be really late at night (like anywhere between 11PM PST-5AM PST, depending on the day of the week).
FYI, there will always be elitist players on a server regardless of which one  you choose, but in my experience, Balmung has the friendliest and helpful of the lot.
2.) Â Lalas are making a comeback, but other than that, miqo'te and hyur are the most prominently played races in the game (particularly for Balmung). Â Gender distribution between those two races is kind of even, from what I've seen? Â That aside, you should pick what -you- want to play. Â If you've got a great idea for a character and it's going to be miqo'te, then shoot for it. Â If you want a Roe, then go for the gold! o/
3.) Â Have fun, get ready for whacky adventures, and don't be afraid to approach folks. Â The Final Fantasy series generally has lore focused on crystals and magic with a focus on character development, so expect to see some of that here. Â There's a ton of lore and information regarding the game on the site, as well as many folks who can help you ease into RP in the game. Â The world is your oyster! o/
I hope you enjoy your time in the game! Â It's a good way to unwind from exams. =w=)b
Edit: Oh, someone already beat me to it. XD But yes, basically what Faye said.
 As far as  your questions go, uh...1.)  I don't think any kind of census was ever taken on this (and I can only speak for Balmung), but I can say with certainty that everywhere you go, there WILL be RPers and nonRPers mingling together.  There are certain areas where you see more RPers (such as bars/taverns in the game), but there seems to be a relatively even split?  I generally assume there's usually more nonRPers afoot.  I think both servers are fairly open to new folks, the hardest part would be getting a new character on the server during openings.  Balmung's openings tend to be really late at night (like anywhere between 11PM PST-5AM PST, depending on the day of the week).
FYI, there will always be elitist players on a server regardless of which one  you choose, but in my experience, Balmung has the friendliest and helpful of the lot.
2.) Â Lalas are making a comeback, but other than that, miqo'te and hyur are the most prominently played races in the game (particularly for Balmung). Â Gender distribution between those two races is kind of even, from what I've seen? Â That aside, you should pick what -you- want to play. Â If you've got a great idea for a character and it's going to be miqo'te, then shoot for it. Â If you want a Roe, then go for the gold! o/
3.) Â Have fun, get ready for whacky adventures, and don't be afraid to approach folks. Â The Final Fantasy series generally has lore focused on crystals and magic with a focus on character development, so expect to see some of that here. Â There's a ton of lore and information regarding the game on the site, as well as many folks who can help you ease into RP in the game. Â The world is your oyster! o/
I hope you enjoy your time in the game! Â It's a good way to unwind from exams. =w=)b
Edit: Oh, someone already beat me to it. XD But yes, basically what Faye said.
