Palawan

Palawan is a province in the Mimaropa region of the Philippines. It comprises the long island of Palawan and numerous smaller islands and islets, with Puerto Princesa serving as the provincial capital. Geographically, Palawan is located between the South China Sea to the west and the Sulu Sea to the east, and it is the westernmost province of the country.

The province is renowned for its natural beauty, including limestone karst landscapes, tropical forests, and extensive coral reefs. It contains two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, noted for its navigable underground river system, and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a remote marine reserve recognized for its high biodiversity and coral atolls.

Palawan’s archipelago includes notable groups such as the Calamianes (which encompasses Coron, Culion, and nearby islands) and Linapacan, along with numerous municipalities on the main island. The provincial economy is driven mainly by ecotourism, fishing, and agriculture, with growing attention to sustainable development and conservation.

The population is diverse, with urban centers concentrated in Puerto Princesa and other municipalities while indigenous and local communities maintain distinct cultural traditions. Filipino and English are widely used in administration and commerce, complemented by local languages. Palawan faces environmental challenges common to island economies, including pressure from tourism and natural resource management, prompting ongoing efforts in conservation and responsible development.