Mindanao

Mindanao is the second-largest island in the Philippines, covering about 97,530 square kilometers and located in the southern part of the archipelago. It is bounded by the Bohol Sea to the north, the Sulu Sea to the southwest, the Celebes Sea to the south, and the Philippine Sea to the east. The island features varied terrain, including volcanic peaks such as Mount Apo, tropical forests, and extensive coastlines. Its climate is generally tropical with pronounced wet and dry seasons.

Mindanao is ethnically and linguistically diverse. The southern region is home to Muslim communities such as the Maguindanaon, Maranao, and Tausug, along with indigenous Lumad groups. In other parts of the island, Christian communities and minority groups speak Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and other Philippine languages. Filipino and English are the official languages, with regional languages widely used in daily life.

Economically, Mindanao relies on agriculture, mining, and services. Major crops include bananas, pineapple, coconuts, and cacao, with Davao City as a major urban and commercial center. The island also hosts mining operations and growing tourism, particularly for natural parks, biodiversity, and cultural heritage sites such as Mt. Apo and associated reefs and beaches.

Mindanao has a long history of sultanates and exchanges with neighboring regions. It was part of Spanish and American colonial expansion, and in the late 20th and early 21st centuries experienced armed conflict related to autonomy movements. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was established in 2019 to govern Muslim-majority areas, following a peace process. Martial law was declared in Mindanao in 2017 after the Marawi siege and remained in effect for several years.