Unlock
the secrets of this exotic southern island, from the bustling
city of Zamboanga to the eco-tourist haven of Cagayan de Oro.
About Mindanao Philippines
Cebuano is spoken by the majority of people in Mindanao. Cebuano is
generally the native language in most regions, except for the Muslim
areas on the west coast and among the hill tribes. Christians form the
majority, with 63% of the population; Muslims are 32% of the population
(mostly on the southern part of the island); 5% are affiliated with
other religions. The native Maguindanaon and other native Muslim or
non-Muslim groups of Mindanao have a culture that is different from the
main cultures of the Southern Philippines.
Mindanao is the second largest island in the country at 94,630 square
kilometers, and is the eighth most populous island in the world. The
island of Mindanao is larger than 125 countries worldwide, including the
Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Taiwan and
Ireland. The island is mountainous, and is home to Mount Apo, the
highest mountain in the country. Mindanao is surrounded by seas: the
Sulu Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes
Sea to the south. Of all the islands of the Philippines, Mindanao and
Borneo shows the greatest variety of physiographic development. High,
rugged, faulted mountains; almost isolated volcanic peaks; high rolling
plateaus; and broad, level, swampy plains are found there.
Mindanao Video
Mindanao Photos
The island group of Mindanao encompasses Mindanao island itself and the
Sulu Archipelago to the southwest. The island group is divided into six
regions, which are further subdivided into 25 provinces.
The mountains of Mindanao can be conveniently grouped into five ranges,
including both complex structural mountains and volcanoes. The
structural mountains on the extreme eastern and western portions of the
island show broad exposures of Mesozoic rock with ultrabasic rocks at
the surface in many places along the east coast. Surface rock in other
areas of the island is mainly Tertiary and Quarternary volcanic or
sedimentary.
Cagayan de Oro, the capital of Misamis Oriental Province is a
developing commercial and pleasure as well as educational center.
Cradled between the gentle waters of Macabalan Bay and the ancient
mountains of Mindanao's interior, this old coastal settlement is the
normal jumping-off point for the start of an exciting adventure in
northern Mindanao.
Bisected by the Cagayan River, the large city of Cagayan de Oro boasts
countless banks, shopping malls and government offices. Many years ago,
the Spanish colonists added the words' De Oro' meaning 'of gold' to the
name Cagayan. Although the Spanish were referring to the specks of gold
they had discovered in the Cagayan River in those days, however, today,
the terms have come to describe the 'golden friendship' offered by an
old-fashioned city that is popular for its hospitality and warm people.
