Luzon

Luzon (/luːˈzɒn/ loo-ZON, Tagalog: [luˈson]) is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. Located in the northern portion of the Philippine archipelago, it plays a central role as the country's economic and political hub. The island is home to important cities like Manila, the capital, and Quezon City, the most populous city in the nation.

With a population of 64.3 million as of 2024, Luzon contains more than half of the country's total population, making it the 4th most populous island in the world. It is also the 15th largest island by land area, offering diverse landscapes and rich resources.

Luzon can also refer to one of the three main island groups in the country. In this broader sense, it includes not just the Luzon Mainland, but also nearby island groups such as the Batanes, Babuyan, and Polillo Islands. Other islands like Catanduanes, Marinduque, and Mindoro are also part of this group. Additionally, the islands of Masbate, Palawan, and Romblon are sometimes included, though they are occasionally grouped with the Visayas.

Etymology

The name Luzon likely comes from the word lusong, a Tagalog term for a large wooden mortar used to process rice. This tool was important in traditional farming.

Long ago, maps in old languages like Latin, Italian, and Portuguese called the island Luçonia or Luconia. Sailors from Portugal in the 1500s used the word Luções to describe people from areas around Manila Bay, which helped give the island its name today.

History

Before European colonization

Homo luzonensis fossils, found in Callao Cave on Luzon, show an ancient human species lived there tens of thousands of years ago.

Before the year 1000, groups like the Tagalog, Kapampangan, and Pangasinan lived along the coasts of southern and central Luzon. They formed kingdoms such as Maynila and Tondo. An old document from 900 mentions places near Manila Bay. These kingdoms traded with nearby countries and followed different beliefs including Hinduism, Animism, or Islam.

There was also a Buddhist area called Ma-i, known to Chinese and Bruneian records. Trade with Japan was important in the 1200s, with special clay jars made in Luzon.

Interactions with the Portuguese

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to record Luzon, calling it Luçonia. They met people from Luzon as far away as India, working as sailors and soldiers.

Spanish Colonial Era

Main article: History of the Philippines (1565–1898)

In 1569, Spanish explorers arrived in Luzon and began to establish control. They renamed Maynila to Nueva Castilla and made it the capital. The Spanish built towns and forts, and brought new people to the islands.

Luzon became a center for trade between Asia and the Americas. Ships called Manila Galleons carried silver from places like Peru to buy goods from China and India.

After Spanish colonization

After Spain left, the Philippines faced new rulers. During World War II, Japan took control of Luzon. After the war, the Philippines became independent. Many people from Luzon moved to other countries for work. Today, Luzon remains the most developed part of the Philippines.

Geography

Further information: Geography of Luzon

Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines, covering 109,964.9 square kilometres. It is surrounded by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Luzon Strait to the north. The island has a roughly rectangular shape with the long Bicol Peninsula extending southeast.

Luzon is divided into four main areas: Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Southeastern Luzon. Northern Luzon includes flat areas along the coast and mountain ranges like the Cordillera Central, home to Mount Pulag, the island's highest peak. Central Luzon features a large flat plain, which is a major rice-growing area. Southern Luzon is known for Laguna de Bay, the country's largest lake, and the busy area of Metro Manila. Southeastern Luzon has the Bicol Peninsula with famous volcanoes such as Mayon Volcano.

Demographics

As of the 2024 census, the population of Luzon Island itself is 59,865,193 people, making it the 4th most populated island in the world. Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, containing over half of the country's total population.

Metro Manila is the most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines and among the largest in the world. It includes cities like Quezon City, Manila, and many others, with a population reaching around 21 million when surrounding areas are included. The island is home to many major cities and towns, each with its own unique character and history.

Economy

The economy of Luzon is centered in Metro Manila, where major companies such as Ayala, Jollibee Foods Corporation, SM Group, and Metrobank are based in business hubs like Makati Central Business District, Ortigas Center, and Bonifacio Global City. The island’s industries are mostly found around Metro Manila, while other areas focus on farming crops such as rice, bananas, mangoes, coconuts, pineapple, and coffee. Other important sectors include livestock, tourism, mining, and fishing.

Luzon has several important airports. Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is the busiest airport in the Philippines, serving over 50 million passengers in 2024. Clark International Airport also serves international flights. Other airports on the island provide domestic services, including Bicol International Airport in Legazpi, Cauayan Airport, Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte, Naga Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport, and Tuguegarao Airport.