Lanao

Lanao is a geographic and historical region on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, centered around Lake Lanao. The name derives from the Maranao word Ranao, meaning lake or lake country. Today the area is associated with two provinces, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, though the term also denotes the broader cultural and historical territory around the lake.

Lake Lanao lies largely within these provinces and is the second-largest freshwater lake in the Philippines by area. Its outflow through the Agus River powers hydroelectric facilities near Iligan City and supports irrigation in surrounding areas. The lake and its surrounding towns constitute the homeland of the Maranao people, who speak the Maranao language and practice a predominantly Muslim culture.

Administrative arrangement: Lanao del Norte's capital is Tubod; Lanao del Sur's capital is Marawi City. Iligan City, geographically within Lanao del Norte, is a highly urbanized city and a major economic center for the region. Lanao del Sur is part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while Lanao del Norte belongs to Northern Mindanao (Region IX).

History: The area was once governed as a single Lanao Province before being divided in the mid-20th century into the present-day provinces of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. The region has a long history of Maranao sultanates and settlements and has experienced periods of conflict and reconstruction, particularly in Lanao del Sur.

Geography and economy: The terrain includes lowland plains and highlands with agricultural and fishing livelihoods. Local economies are tied to Lake Lanao, the Agus hydroelectric complex, and traditional Maranao crafts and culture, making the region a focal point of Mindanao’s lake country.