Samar

Third-largest island of the Philippines, one of the Visayan group of islands, connected by a bridge to Leyte Island in the southwest; area 13,080 sq km/5,050 sq mi; population (2000) 1,500,000. The island is divided into the provinces of Samar del Norte, Samar Occidental, and Samar Oriental; the main towns are Catbalogan, Catarman, and Calbayog. Rice, root-crops, hemp, and copra are produced. Timber is an important industry, and iron ore, coal, phosphate, and chromite deposits are mined.

Agriculture is restricted by the frequency of typhoons. Although not very mountainous, Samar is rugged, with limited level and low-lying land. Tourist attractions include the Sohoton National Park in the southern part of the island.