List of All States in Philippines

State in Philippines

As you explore the diverse archipelago of the Philippines, you may wonder about its political divisions. Contrary to what the article title suggests, the Philippines is not divided into states. Rather, it consists of provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. This administrative structure reflects the country’s unique geography and history.

Understanding these divisions is crucial for navigating the Philippines, whether you’re a tourist, researcher, or business professional. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the intricacies of the Philippine administrative system, gaining valuable insights into the country’s governance and regional distinctions. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Philippine geography and administration.

Overview of the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, comprising over 7,600 islands. With a land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers, it’s the world’s 13th-most populous country, boasting a population of over 119 million as of 2024. The nation’s capital, Manila, serves as its primary political and economic hub.

The Philippines is renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, home to numerous ethnic groups. The largest among these are the Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and Bisaya peoples. This diversity is reflected in the country’s linguistic landscape, with over 180 languages spoken across the archipelago. While Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are the official languages, many Filipinos are multilingual, often speaking regional languages alongside the national tongues.

As a newly industrialized country, the Philippines has seen significant economic growth in recent years. Its economy is largely service-based, with notable contributions from industries such as business process outsourcing, tourism, and remittances from overseas Filipino workers. However, challenges persist, including income inequality and regional economic disparities, which continue to shape the nation’s demographic and socioeconomic landscape.

States in the Philippines

The Philippines, an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, is composed of thousands of islands. However, it’s important to note that the country is not divided into states like some other nations. Instead, the Philippines is organized into administrative divisions known as regions, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. This unique structure reflects the Philippines’ historical and cultural development, as well as its geographical characteristics as an archipelagic nation.

As of 2024, the Philippines is divided into 18 regions, which serve as the primary administrative divisions. 18 of these are merely administrative groupings, with each being assigned a regional development council (RDC) by the president of the Philippines; in the case of the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), an additional metropolitan development authority serves as the coordinating and policymaking body. Only one, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has an elected government and parliament to which the Philippine Congress has delegated powers and responsibilities.

These regions are further subdivided into 82 provinces, which are the country’s second-level administrative divisions. Each province is composed of cities and municipalities, which are then further divided into barangays, the smallest administrative units.

The Philippine Constitution allows for two autonomous regions: in the Cordilleras and in Muslim Mindanao. Currently, Bangsamoro is the country’s only autonomous region, consisting primarily of Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao. These regions have special administrative structures due to their unique cultural and historical backgrounds.

Understanding this administrative structure is crucial for navigating the country’s geography and governance.

List of Regions in the Philippines

The 18 regions serve as the primary administrative divisions, each encompassing several provinces with similar geographic, cultural, or economic characteristics. These regions range from the northernmost Ilocos Region to the southernmost Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Each region has a designated regional center that acts as its administrative hub.

Region

(regional designation)

 Regional

center

 Area
National Capital Region

(NCR)

 Manila 636.00 km2

(245.56 sq mi)
Cordillera Administrative Region

(CAR)

 Baguio 19,422.03 km2

(7,498.89 sq mi)
Ilocos Region

(Region I)

 San Fernando 13,012.60 km2

(5,024.19 sq mi)
Cagayan Valley

(Region II)

 Tuguegarao 28,228.83 km2

(10,899.21 sq mi)
Central Luzon

(Region III)

 San Fernando 22,014.63 km2

(8,499.90 sq mi)
Calabarzon

(Region IV-A)

 Calamba 16,873.31 km2

(6,514.82 sq mi)
Southwestern Tagalog Region

(Mimaropa)

 Calapan 29,620.90 km2

(11,436.69 sq mi)
Bicol Region

(Region V)

 Legazpi 18,155.82 km2

(7,010.00 sq mi)
Western Visayas

(Region VI)

 Iloilo City 12,750.63 km2

(4,923.05 sq mi)
Negros Island Region

(NIR)

 Bacolod and Dumaguete

(interim/de facto)

 13,525.56 km2

(5,222.25 sq mi)
Central Visayas

(Region VII)

 Cebu City 10,114.52 km2

(3,905.24 sq mi)
Eastern Visayas

(Region VIII)

 Tacloban 23,251.10 km2

(8,977.30 sq mi)
Zamboanga Peninsula

(Region IX)

 Pagadian 18,056.73 km2

(6,585.64 sq mi)
Northern Mindanao

(Region X)

 Cagayan de Oro 20,496.02 km2

(7,913.56 sq mi)
Davao Region

(Region XI)

 Davao City 20,357.42 km2

(7,860.04 sq mi)
Soccsksargen

(Region XII)

 Koronadal 22,513.30 km2

(8,692.43 sq mi)
Caraga

(Region XIII)

 Butuan 21,478.35 km2

(8,292.84 sq mi)
Bangsamoro

(BARMM)

 Cotabato City 12,535.79 km2

(4,840.10 sq mi)

List of Provinces in the Philippines

Provinces serve as the largest administrative units in the Philippines, similar to states in other countries. There are 82 provinces spread across the country’s three main island groups: 38 in Luzon, 27 in the Visayas, and 17 in Mindanao. Each province is governed by an elected governor and is further divided into cities and municipalities.

This structure allows for more efficient local governance, as each province has its own elected officials and administrative bodies. These provincial governments work in tandem with regional and national authorities to implement policies, manage resources, and address the unique needs of their constituents. This system of decentralized governance helps ensure that the diverse needs of the Philippines’ 100+ million citizens are met across its 7,641 islands.

List of Cities and Municipalities in the Philippines

Cities and municipalities form the next level of administration in the Philippines. These local government units (LGUs) are responsible for providing basic services to their residents. Cities are generally more urbanized and have greater autonomy, while municipalities are typically smaller and more rural. Both are led by elected mayors and councils. As of August 18, 2024, there are 149 cities (33 highly urbanized, 5 independent component cities, 111 component cities) and 1,493 municipalities encompassing the country. There are a total of 1,642 cities and municipalities in the Philippines.

List of Cities in the Philippines

There are 149 cities in the Philippines as of August 18, 2024. Thirty-three of these are highly urbanized cities (HUC), five are independent component cities (ICC), with the rest are component cities (CC) of their respective provinces.

Highly urbanized cities (33)

Independent component cities (5)

Component cities

List of Municipalities in the Philippines

At the most local level, the Philippines is divided into barangays. These are the smallest administrative units, comparable to neighborhoods or villages in other countries. As of 2024, there are 42,004 barangays in the Philippines. Ranking all the local government units, provinces, cities and municipalities. Barangays play a crucial role in community organization and service delivery, serving as the primary point of contact between citizens and their government.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some frequently asked questions and answers about the state of the Philippines.

How many states are there in the Philippines?

The Philippines does not have states in the same way as countries like Nigeria. Instead, it is divided into regions, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. There are 18 regions, 82 provinces, 149 cities, 1,493 municipalities, and over 42,000 barangays in the Philippines.

What is the largest administrative division in the Philippines?

The largest administrative division in the Philippines is the region. There are 18 regions in total, including the National Capital Region (NCR), which encompasses Metro Manila. These regions are further divided into provinces, which are then subdivided into cities and municipalities.

Are there any autonomous regions in the Philippines?

Yes, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is an autonomous region in the Philippines. It was established in 2019, replacing the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The BARMM has a certain degree of self-governance and is located in the southern part of the country.

How is local government structured in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a decentralized system of local government. Each level of administrative division has its own local government unit (LGU). Provinces and cities are headed by governors and mayors, respectively, while municipalities and barangays are led by municipal mayors and barangay captains. These local officials are elected by the people in their respective areas.

Conclusion

As you’ve explored this comprehensive list of regions, provinces, municipalities, and barangays in the Philippines, you’ve gained valuable insights into the diverse administrative divisions that make up this island nation. Understanding the structure of Philippine states is crucial for navigating the country’s complex geography and governance. Whether you’re planning a visit, conducting research, or simply expanding your knowledge, this information serves as a solid foundation. Remember that each state contributes uniquely to the rich tapestry of Filipino culture and history. By familiarizing yourself with these administrative units, you’re better equipped to appreciate the intricacies of the Philippines’ political landscape and regional diversity.

 

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