Basilan - Definition and Overview

Basilan is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Its capital is Isabela City and is located just off the southern coast of Zamboanga Peninsula. Basilan is the northernmost among the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago.

Basilan figured prominently in international news as one of the strongholds of the Islamic terrorist group, the Abu Sayyaf. This group kidnapped a group of tourists from Palawan and brought them to Basilan, including an American Christian missionary couple, Martin and Gracia Burnham.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Province of Basilan

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Image:ph_seal_basilan.png

Region: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

Capital: Isabela City

Founded:

Population:
2000 census—259,796 (16th smallest)
Density—210 per km² (8th smallest)

Area: 1,234.2 km² (8th smallest)

Divisions:
Highly urbanized cities—0
Component cities—0
Municipalities—6
Barangays—210
Congressional districts—1

Languages: Cebuano, Chavacano

Governor: Ustadz Abdulwahab M. Akbar (2004-2007)

People and culture

Economy

Geography

Political

Basilan is subdivided into 6 municipalities and 1 city. Isabela City is the only city and capital of Basilan. However, Isabela City is independent of the province and is actually part of the region of Zamboanga Peninsula. Basilan used to be part of Western Mindanao (the former name of Zamboanga Peninsula), but in a recent plebiscite the residents of Basilan opted to join ARMM, with the exception of Isabela City.

City

• Isabela City

Municipalities

Physical

Tourist attractions

History

External links