Palawan (island)

Palawan
Native name:
La Paragua
Map with Palawan Island highlighted in red
Palawan
Location within the Philippines
Geography
LocationSoutheast Asia
Coordinates9°30′N 118°30′E / 9.5°N 118.5°E / 9.5; 118.5
ArchipelagoPhilippine Islands
Adjacent to
Area12,188.6 km2 (4,706.0 sq mi)
Area rank64th
Length425 km (264.1 mi)
Width40 km (25 mi)
Coastline1,354.1 km (841.4 mi)
Highest elevation2,086 m (6844 ft)
Highest pointMount Mantalingajan
Administration
RegionMimaropa
ProvincePalawan
Municipalities
Capital and largest cityPuerto Princesa (pop. 307,079)
Demographics
Population994,101 (2020)
Pop. density72.7/km2 (188.3/sq mi)

Palawan (Spanish: Isla de La Paragua) is the largest island of the province of Palawan in the Philippines and fifth-largest by area and tenth-most populous island of the country, with a total population of 994,101 as of 2020 census. The northwest coast of the island is along the Palawan Passage in the eastern South China Sea, while the southeast coast forms part of the northern limit of the Sulu Sea. Much of the island remains traditional and is considered by some as under-developed. Abundant wildlife, jungle mountains, and some white sandy beaches attract many tourists, as well as international companies looking for development opportunities.

One city and 12 out of the 23 municipalities of the Province of Palawan are on this island. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, one of seven operating units of the Bureau of Corrections, is located on the island.