Palawan

Province of southwestern Philippines, situated in the Sulu Sea; area 14,429 sq km/5,571 sq mi; population (1995) 640,000. The capital is Puerto Princesa. The province comprises several islands, of which Palawan is the largest. Palawan has the lowest population density of the Philippine provinces, being the most geographically remote, and is densely forested. Products include rice, corn, beans, and sweet potatoes; commercial fishing is important. Mineral wealth includes manganese, guano, chromite, and mercury; oil reserves were discovered in the 1990s.

Other islands in the province include Dumaran, Culion, Coron, Busuanga, Bugsuk, and Balabac. About 65% of the province is a game reserve/national park. St Paul underwater park is a tourist attraction.