Basilan, officially referred to as the Province of Basilan (Chavacano: Provincia de Basilan; Yakan: Wilayah Basilanin; Tausug: Wilaya’ sin Basilan; Filipino: Lalawigan ng Basilan), is an island province in the Philippines, primarily situated within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Basilan Island, the largest and northernmost of the significant islands in the Sulu Archipelago, is located just off the southern coast of the geographic Zamboanga Peninsula.
Demographics
According to the 2015 Census data for Basilan, here’s a summary of the demographic information you provided:
- Age Groups and Populations:
- The age group with the highest population in Basilan was individuals aged 5 to 9, totaling 50,268 individuals.
- The age group with the lowest population was those aged 75 to 79, which included 1,132 individuals.
- Age Group Aggregates:
- When grouping age categories:
- Those aged 14 and below, including infants, babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers, constituted approximately 42.12% of the total population, amounting to 145,967 individuals.
- The age group of 15 to 64, representing the economically active population and potential workforce, made up a significant 55.61% of the population, totaling 192,722 individuals.
- The old dependent population, consisting of senior citizens aged 65 and over, accounted for 2.28% of the total population, equivalent to 7,890 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 76 youth dependents (aged 14 and below) and 4 aged/senior citizens (aged 65 and over).
- In total, there were 80 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 Basilan in 2015 was 19 years. This statistic indicates that half of the population was younger than 19, while the other half was older than 19. 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 Basilan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akbar | municipality | 23,098 | 17,531 | 5.98% | 182.01 | 127 | 9 |
| Al-Barka | municipality | 23,736 | 20,905 | 2.71% | 188.70 | 126 | 16 |
| Hadji Mohammad Ajul | municipality | 24,625 | 19,307 | 5.26% | 202.50 | 122 | 11 |
| Hadji Muhtamad | municipality | 26,867 | 25,085 | 1.46% | 173.27 | 155 | 10 |
| Isabela City | city (CC), capital | 130,379 | 112,788 | 3.10% | 223.73 | 583 | 45 |
| Lamitan | city (CC) | 100,150 | 74,782 | 6.34% | 354.45 | 283 | 45 |
| Lantawan | municipality | 31,040 | 24,594 | 5.02% | 405.04 | 77 | 25 |
| Maluso | municipality | 45,730 | 40,646 | 2.51% | 304.14 | 150 | 20 |
| Sumisip | municipality | 47,345 | 41,730 | 2.69% | 567.60 | 83 | 29 |
| Tabuan-Lasa | municipality | 29,327 | 24,188 | 4.14% | 55.68 | 527 | 12 |
| Tipo-Tipo | municipality | 25,531 | 19,163 | 6.23% | 217.00 | 118 | 11 |
| Tuburan | municipality | 24,742 | 20,207 | 4.35% | 546.00 | 45 | 10 |
| Ungkaya Pukan | municipality | 24,016 | 18,441 | 5.72% | 257.03 | 93 | 12 |
| Basilan Total | 426,207 | 346,579 | 4.45% | 3,453.42 | 123 | 210 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 494,623,639.53 | – |
| 2010 | 531,913,747.09 | 7.54% |
| 2011 | 573,138,327.17 | 7.75% |
| 2012 | 548,449,770.02 | -4.31% |
| 2013 | 547,781,557.25 | -0.12% |
| 2014 | 608,185,566.32 | 11.03% |
| 2015 | 697,929,585.04 | 14.76% |
| 2016 | 764,173,838.68 | 9.49% |
| 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
Basilan, often misconceived by its reputation, hides an emerging tourism treasure. Its pristine coastlines, lush forests, and historical sites offer unique attractions for adventurous travelers.
Visitors to Basilan can explore untamed natural wonders, immerse themselves in cultural heritage, and savor the province’s distinct culinary offerings. The province’s allure is an exciting discovery for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
