Luzon Island Facts & Geography

Luzon Island Overview

• Largest and most populous island in the Philippines, significant for its economic and political influence.
• 15th largest island globally by land area, covering 109,964.9 square kilometers (42,457.7 sq mi).
• Home to Manila (capital city) and Quezon City (most populous city).

Population Statistics

• Contains 52.5% of the Philippines' population, making it the fourth most populous island worldwide.
• Population distribution by region:
  • Region I (Ilocos Region): 5.03 million
  • Region II (Cagayan Valley): 3.68 million
  • Region III (Central Luzon): 12.42 million
  • Region IV-A (CALABARZON): 16.19 million
  • MIMAROPA Region: 3.23 million
  • Region V (Bicol Region): 6.08 million
  • Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): 1.80 million
  • National Capital Region (NCR): 13.48 million

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

• Least populous region in the Philippines and the only landlocked region.
• Bordered by Ilocos Region to the west and southwest, and Cagayan Valley to the north and southeast.
• Comprises 6 provinces: Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

Geography of CAR

• Contains 2 cities, 75 municipalities, and 1,176 barangays; regional center is the City of Baguio.
• Located in the Cordillera Central mountain range, featuring Mount Pulag, the highest mountain in Luzon.

Ethnic Diversity

• Diverse ethnic groups, notably the Igorot tribes, inhabit the region.
• Ethnic diversity within Abra includes the Tingguians, which is composed of several Itneg subtribes:
  • Adasen, Balatok, Banaw, Belwang, Binungan, Gubang, Inlaud, Mabaka, Maeng, Masadiit, and Muyadan (or Ammutan).