Aklan - Definition and Overview

Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Kalibo and is located at the northwest portion of Panay island, bordering Antique to the west and Capiz to the southeast. Aklan faces Sibuyan Sea and the province of Romblon to the north.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Province of Aklan

Ph_seal_aklan.png
Image:Ph_seal_aklan.png

Region: Western Visayas (Region VI)

Capital: Kalibo

Founded: —

Population:
2000 census—451,314 (24th smallest)
Density—248 per km² (29th highest)

Area: 1,817.9 km² (18th smallest)

Divisions:
Highly urbanized cities—0
Component cities—0
Municipalities—17
Barangays—327
Congressional districts—1

Languages: Aklanon, Ilonggo, Kinaray-a

Governor: Florencio T. Miraflores (2004-2007)

Aklan is famous for two things: Boracay and the Ati-Atihan Festival. The island of Boracay, just one kilometer from northern tip of Panay has one of the best white sand beaches in the world, the most known of which is the White Beach stretching four kilometers along the western coast of the island. Tourists also flock to see the annual Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo held every January. The festival is a feast dedicated to Santo Niño or the Baby Jesus, and revelers paint their faces with black soot and wear bright-colored costumes.

People and Culture

Aklanon refers to the people of Aklan province in the Philippines, their language and culture. According to folk belief, Aklan derived its name from a river called Akean.

Economy

Geography

Political

Aklan is subdivided into 17 municipalities.

Municipalities

Physical

History

Aklan, originally known as Minuro it Akean, is considered as the oldest province in the country and believed to have been established as early as 1213 by settlers from Borneo. Its first ruler was Datu Dinagandan. In 1399, Kalantiaw grabbed the throne. In 1433, Kalantiaw III formulated a set of laws that is known today as the Code of Kalantiaw.

External links

• The Official Website of the Provincial Government of Aklan
  http://popweb.i-next.net/~aklanpgo
• The Official Website of the Municipality of Malinao, Aklan
  http://www.malinao-aklan.ph
• The Official Website of Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival
  http://www.ati-atihan.net/atihome.html