Abra

Inland mountainous province of the Philippines on northwest Luzon Island, in the Cordillera Autonomous Region; area 3,976 sq km/1,535 sq mi; population (1995) 196,000. The capital is Bangued. Abra has rugged mountainous terrain (highest point 2,020 m/6,627 ft), deep valleys and tropical forest. It is crossed by the River Abra and its many tributaries. Rice, tobacco, corn, mangoes, and vegetables are cultivated in the valleys, and production of timber is important in the uplands. Fishing is also important.

Abra is home to a number of hill peoples including the Isneg and Apayao, who live along the river banks. 80% of the population of the province are farmers. Bangued (population 34,184; 1990) is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, and was founded by Augustinian missionaries. The provincial capital until 1861 was Bucay.