About Mindanao
MINDANAO is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called THE LAND OF PROMISE. Mindanao is the only area of the Philippines with a significant Muslim presence. A guerrilla war is ongoing on the islands.
Mindanao is named after the Maguindanaons who constituted the largest Sultanate historically, and evidence from maps made during the 17th and 18th centuries suggests that the name was used to refer to the island by natives at the time.
Mindanao is strategically located within the East ASEAN region, almost equidistant to the eastern sections of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. This key geographic location underscores its potential to be a major transshipment point and center of trade in the region. The island group of Mindanao encompasses Mindanao island itself and the Sulu Archipelago to the southwest. The island group is divided into six regions, which are further subdivided into 25 provinces.
Six Regions: Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), SOCCSKSARGEN
Twenty Five Provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
The primary asset of Mindanao is its people. Based on the year 2000 census, 18.1 million people or a quarter of the Philippines' total population reside in Mindanao. The island is home to some 27 indigenous cultural communities, as well as migrants from Luzon and the Visayas. Rather than an impediment, the pluralism of cultures in Mindanao is a major source of strength, particularly in trading with its multi-cultural neighbor countries in East ASEAN.
Mindanao has a relatively young albeit highly literate population. One-third of its population is aged 15 to 19 with a literacy rate of 95%. The island also boasts a versatile, adaptive and English-speaking work force. Generally, Mindanaoans are known for their positive outlook, pleasant disposition and warm hospitality.
Today, the region is home to most of the country's Muslim or Moro populations, composed of many ethnic groups such as the Maranao and the Tausug, the Banguingui (users of the vinta), as well as the collective group of indigenous tribes known as the Lumad.
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