Leyte province - Definition and Overview

Leyte is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is Tacloban City and occupies the northern three-quarters of the island of Leyte. Leyte is located west of Samar province, north of Southern Leyte and south of Biliran. To the west of Leyte across the Camotes Sea is the province of Cebu.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Province of Leyte

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Image:Ph_seal_leyte.png

Region: Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)

Capital: Tacloban City

Founded: March 10, 1917

Population:
2000 census—1,592,336 (14th largest)
Density—279 per km² (24th highest)

Area: 5,712.8 km² (12th largest)

Divisions:
Highly urbanized cities—0
Component cities—2
Municipalities—41
Barangays—1,641
Congressional districts—5

Languages: Waray, Cebuano

Governor: Remedios L. Petilla (2004-2007)

People and Culture

The people of Leyte are divided into two main groups, primarily by language. In the west and south are the cebuanos, while in the north and east are the waray-waray.

The cebuano have ties with Cebu the dominate city of the Visayas, while the waray are more tied to rural Leyte and Samar.

Economy

The economy of Letye depends on agriculture. Rice is farmed in the lower flatter areas specifically those around Tacloban, while coconut farming, for coconut oil, and is the main cash crop of the more mountainous areas. Fishing is also a major source of livelihood among residents.

Geography

Political

Leyte is subdivided into 41 municipalities and 2 cities.

Ormoc City is an independent component city of Leyte. The city governs itself independent of the province and the residents do not vote for elective provincial officials, as stated in the city's charter.

Cities

• Ormoc City
• Tacloban City

Municipalities

Physical

History

External Links