Catanduanes (island)

Catanduanes

Geography
Location	South East Asia
Coordinates	13°47′33″N 124°15′46″E
Archipelago	Philippine Islands
Area	1,511.50 km2 (583.593 sq mi)
Country
Philippines
Municipalities	Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San Andres, San Miguel, Viga, Virac
Demographics
Population	232,757 (as of 2007)
Density	124 /km2 (321 /sq mi)
Ethnic groups	Bicolano, Tagalog

Catanduanes Island is the main island of Catanduanes Province. It lies east of the Bicol Peninsula. The island is bounded by the Maqueda Channel in the west, the Pacific Ocean on the north and east, and Lagonoy Gulf and Cabugao Bay on the south.

The general landscape of the island is hilly to mountainous; this becomes more pronounced towards the central portion. Less than 10 percent of the land area has a slope gradient under 8 percent, mostly fractured and narrow strips of plains dispersed near the coastal areas where most of the inhabitants are settled.

Catanduanes is also known as "Land of the Howling Winds" because it is frequently visited by a storm. But still, it has lots of beach resorts that are competitive enough.

Geography

The island of Catanduanes is located at 13°48′N, 124°16′E and east of the Bicol Peninsula. The island is bounded in the north and east by the Philippine Sea, in the south by Lagonoy Gulf and Cabugao Bay and in the west by Maqueda Channel.

Climate

Catanduanes' geographical position has it lying completely open and unprotected within the typhoon belt and facing directly the wide Pacific Ocean. It is exposed to off and on seasonal tropical storms which frequently visit the area every year. It has no dry season with a very pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January.

See also

• Bicol Region
• Catanduanes Province