Leyte (island)
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This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2013) |
 The location of the Island of Leyte |
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| Leyte (Philippines) | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | South East Asia |
| Coordinates | 10°50′N 124°50′E / 10.833°N 124.833°ECoordinates: 10°50′N 124°50′E / 10.833°N 124.833°E |
| Archipelago | Visayas |
| Area | 7,367.6 km2 (2,844.65 sq mi)[1] |
| Country | |
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Philippines
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| Province | Leyte, Southern Leyte |
| Largest city | Tacloban (pop. 221,174) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 2,188,295 (as of 2010)[2] |
| Density | 297 /km2 (769 /sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | (Waray, Cebuano), Bisaya people |
Leyte /ˈleɪtiː/ is an island in the Visayas group of the Philippines.
Politically, the island is divided into two provinces: (Northern) Leyte and Southern Leyte. Territorially, Southern Leyte Province includes the island of Panaon to its south. Biliran Island, to the north of Leyte Island, was formerly a sub-province of Leyte, and is now a separate province, Biliran Province.
The major cities of Leyte are Tacloban City, on the eastern shore at the northwest corner of Leyte Gulf, and Ormoc City, on the west coast.
Leyte today is notable for the geothermal electric power plants near Ormoc.
However, Leyte is most famous for its role in the reconquest of the Philippines in World War II. On 20 October 1944, General Douglas MacArthur waded ashore on Leyte, saying "I have returned". However, the Japanese did not give up so easily, as the ensuing Battle of Leyte proved, and convergence of naval forces resulted in the four-day Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history.
Geography
The island measures about 180 kilometres (110 mi) north-south and about 65 kilometres (40 mi) at its widest point. In the north it nearly joins Samar Island, separated by the San Juanico Strait, which becomes as narrow as 2 km (1.2 mi) in some places. The island province of Biliran is also to the north of Leyte and is joined to Leyte island by a bridge across the narrow Biliran Strait. To the south Leyte is separated from Mindanao by the Surigao Strait. To the east, Leyte is somewhat "set back" from the Philippine Sea of the Pacific Ocean, Samar to the northeast and Dinagat Islands to the southeast forming the Leyte Gulf. To the west is the Camotes Sea.
Leyte is mostly heavily forested and mountainous, but the Leyte Valley in the northeast has much agriculture.
Demographics
| Population of Leyte Island | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1990 | 1,689,756 | — |
| 2000 | 1,952,496 | 1.46% |
| 2010 | 2,188,295 | 1.15% |
| Source: National Statistics Office [2] | ||
Historical and interesting sites
The Leyte Provincial Capitol is the seat of the provincial government where historic viewing of a mural depicting the First Mass of Limasawa in the Orient and the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur can be done.
The Leyte Landing Memorial in Red Beach, Palo, marks the spot where American liberation forces landed it also has a lagoon where the life-size statues of Gen. McArthur and his fleet stands.
Lake Danao is a violin-shaped lake hemmed by cloud-capped mountain ranges. It is a hunter’s paradise where wild animals roam the surrounding forests. It is also said to be the home of a giant eel.
Calanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte is a virgin island with pure white side. It has two long sandbars. The ecological atmosphere of the island had been preserved by the municipality.
The Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum boasts the painting of the 14 station of the cross done by Filipino artists and a bas-relief of the legend of the first Filipino man and woman (Malakas and Maganda).
The San Juanico Bridge is the longest and the most beautifully designed bridge in the Philippines. It features the picturesque San Juanico Strait with a thousand whirlpools, lovely islets and view.
Leyte Island is the birthplace of the Tinikling dance, which is very popular throughout the Philippines.
In popular culture
The Japanese film Nobi ("Fires on the Plain") is set on Leyte in 1945 (but was filmed in Japan).
References
- ^ "Islands by Land Area". Island Directory Tables. United Nations Environment Programme. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
- ^ a b "Population and Annual Growth Rates for The Philippines and Its Regions, Provinces, and Highly Urbanized Cities". 2010 Census and Housing Population. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Leyte (island) |
Leyte (island) travel guide from Wikivoyage- Leyte Island - TA.com
