Aklan

Aklan is a province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, located on the northwestern portion of Panay Island. Its capital is Kalibo. It is bordered by Capiz to the east, Antique to the north, and the Sibuyan Sea to the west, with Boracay Island lying off its northwest coast as part of the municipality of Malay. The province features coastal towns, rural landscapes, and a growing tourism sector.

Aklan was established as a separate province on April 8, 1956, carved from Capiz by Republic Act No. 141.

As of the 2020 census, the population is around 600,000. The economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and fishing. Tourism centers on Boracay, though other beaches, mangrove reserves, and cultural festivals attract visitors. Agriculture concentrates on coconut, rice, corn, and tree crops, with fishing providing livelihoods for coastal communities.

The predominant language is Aklanon, with Hiligaynon, Filipino, and English widely understood. Kalibo hosts the annual Ati-Atihan festival, one of the oldest in the Philippines, celebrating the Santo Niño with street dancing and colorful costumes. The province is served by Kalibo International Airport and by Caticlan Airport, linking Boracay to domestic and international travelers. The Bakhawan Eco-Park in Kalibo preserves a mangrove forest and is a notable natural attraction.

Notable municipalities include Kalibo, Malay, New Washington, and Buruanga. The province features beaches along the Sibuyan Sea, river valleys, and inland hills, and it hosts several eco-tourism sites.