Aklan, officially designated as the Province of Aklan (Akeanon: Probinsya it Akean [ak’ɤan]; Hiligaynon: Kapuoran sang Aklan; Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Aklan), is a province located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Kalibo serves as its capital. This province is situated in the northwest part of Panay Island, sharing borders with Antique to the southwest and Capiz to the southeast. To the north, Aklan faces the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon province.
Aklan is primarily recognized for Boracay, a renowned resort island located just 0.8 kilometers north of the tip of Panay. Boracay is celebrated for its pristine white sand beaches and is regarded as one of the country’s most prominent tourist destinations. Additionally, the Ati-Atihan Festival of Kalibo holds global recognition and is often referred to as “The Mother of all Philippine Festivals.” This annual event takes place on the third Sunday of January to pay homage to the Sto. Niño (Infant Jesus). The festival features tribal dances performed on the town’s main streets, accompanied by ethnic music, with participants donning indigenous costumes and accessories.
Demographics
- Age Groups and Populations:
- The age group with the highest population in Aklan was individuals aged 5 to 9, totaling 59,754 individuals.
- The age group with the lowest population was those aged 75 to 79, which included 7,436 individuals.
- Age Group Aggregates:
- When grouping age categories:
- Those aged 14 and below, including infants, babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers, constituted approximately 30.12% of the total population, amounting to 173,152 individuals.
- The age group of 15 to 64, representing the economically active population and potential workforce, made up a significant 63.04% of the population, totaling 362,349 individuals.
- The old dependent population, consisting of senior citizens aged 65 and over, accounted for 6.84% of the total population, equivalent to 39,322 individuals.
- When grouping age categories:
- Age Dependency Ratios:
- The calculated Age Dependency Ratios provide insights into the population’s dependency on different age groups:
- For every 100 individuals in the working age population, there were 48 youth dependents (aged 14 and below) and 11 aged/senior citizens (aged 65 and over).
- In total, there were 59 dependents (combining young and old-age) for every 100 of the working population.
- The calculated Age Dependency Ratios provide insights into the population’s dependency on different age groups:
- Median Age:
- The median age of Aklan in 2015 was 25 years. This statistic indicates that half of the population was younger than 25, while the other half was older than 25. It provides an essential measure of the age distribution within the province.
These statistics offer a comprehensive overview of the age distribution and dependency ratios in Aklan as of 2015. Please keep in mind that demographic data can change over time due to various factors, such as birth rates, migration, and aging populations, so more recent data may reveal different patterns.
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altavas | municipality | 25,639 | 24,619 | 0.86% | 109.05 | 235 | 14 |
| Balete | municipality | 30,090 | 28,920 | 0.84% | 118.93 | 253 | 10 |
| Banga | municipality | 40,318 | 39,505 | 0.43% | 84.53 | 477 | 30 |
| Batan | municipality | 33,484 | 32,032 | 0.94% | 79.22 | 423 | 20 |
| Buruanga | municipality | 19,357 | 19,003 | 0.39% | 56.44 | 343 | 15 |
| Ibajay | municipality | 52,364 | 49,564 | 1.16% | 158.90 | 330 | 35 |
| Kalibo | municipality, capital | 89,127 | 80,605 | 2.14% | 50.75 | 1,756 | 16 |
| Lezo | municipality | 15,639 | 15,224 | 0.57% | 23.40 | 668 | 12 |
| Libacao | municipality | 28,272 | 28,241 | 0.02% | 254.98 | 111 | 24 |
| Madalag | municipality | 18,890 | 18,389 | 0.57% | 269.60 | 70 | 25 |
| Makato | municipality | 29,717 | 27,262 | 1.83% | 103.45 | 287 | 18 |
| Malay | municipality | 60,077 | 52,973 | 2.68% | 10.66 | 5,636 | 17 |
| Malinao | municipality | 24,517 | 23,194 | 1.17% | 186.01 | 132 | 23 |
| Nabas | municipality | 40,632 | 36,435 | 2.32% | 96.82 | 420 | 20 |
| New Washington | municipality | 47,955 | 45,007 | 1.34% | 66.69 | 719 | 16 |
| Numancia | municipality | 35,693 | 31,934 | 2.37% | 28.84 | 1,238 | 17 |
| Tangalan | municipality | 23,704 | 21,916 | 1.66% | 62.03 | 382 | 15 |
| Aklan Total | 615,475 | 574,823 | 1.45% | 1,760.30 | 350 | 327 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 701,811,672.91 | – |
| 2010 | 777,117,678.66 | 10.73% |
| 2011 | 887,200,791.44 | 14.17% |
| 2012 | 959,573,075.43 | 8.16% |
| 2013 | 1,087,180,329.12 | 13.30% |
| 2014 | 1,162,712,648.02 | 6.95% |
| 2015 | 1,310,968,329.29 | 12.75% |
| 2016 | 1,433,812,446.33 | 9.37% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Tourism
Aklan’s tourism industry thrives on its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural treasures, and serene ambiance. The province is renowned as the gateway to Boracay, one of the world’s most beautiful islands, but Aklan itself offers captivating destinations.
Nature enthusiasts can explore mystical caves, embark on treks through lush forests, or savor local delicacies that reflect Aklan’s unique flavors. Aklan’s cuisine offers a culinary adventure that tantalizes the senses.
