Cotabato

Cotabato may refer to two related places in Mindanao, Philippines: the Province of Cotabato and Cotabato City. The province is a landlocked part of the Soccsksargen region, while Cotabato City is an independent highly urbanized city that serves as the regional center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The two share historical and cultural ties but are distinct political units.

The Province of Cotabato is located in central Mindanao with Kidapawan City as its capital. It features a mix of upland and lowland areas and relies largely on agriculture, including crops such as corn, rice, and fruits, along with livestock and forestry activities. The population is ethnically diverse, with Christian communities in many lowland areas and Muslim communities in southern zones, alongside various indigenous groups. Local languages include Cebuano, Maguindanaon, and several Indigenous languages, while Filipino and English are used for official matters.

Cotabato City lies on the western side of Mindanao and is not part of any province, being administered as a chartered city. It functions as the regional government center for BARMM and acts as a political and economic hub for the surrounding areas. The city has a mixed religious and cultural landscape, reflecting the broader diversity of BARMM, and serves as a gateway to other municipalities within the Bangsamoro region.