Albay

Coastal province of southeast Luzon Island in the Philippines; area 2,553 sq km/986 sq mi; population (1995) 1,005,000. The capital is Legaspi (population 141,120; 1995). The province is densely forested and mountainous (including the volcano Mount Mayon, 2,462 m/8,077 ft), with fertile, volcanic soil, and includes some offshore islands. Agriculture is based in the fertile valleys and plains, with products including hemp, coconuts, rice, fruit, timber, and rattan. There is horse, cattle, and sheep ranching. Some coal and copper are mined.

Geothermal power is generated from hot springs at Tiwi. The beach resort areas attract tourists.

There was a major eruption of Mount Mayon in February 1993 during which 70 people died and 50,000 were evacuated.

The province is home to the Agta (Negrito) people.