Northern Samar, officially the Province of Northern Samar, is a province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is Catarman. The province occupies the northern portion of Samar Island, sharing the island with Eastern Samar and Samar, two other provinces in the Eastern Visayas region.
Northern Samar boasts picturesque landscapes, including lush mountains, serene rivers, and beautiful coastlines. The province offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and exploring the natural wonders that can be found throughout its territory. The locals are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality, and the province has a unique cultural heritage reflected in its festivals, traditions, and cuisine. Northern Samar is a great place to experience the beauty and authenticity of rural Philippines.
Demographics
1. Population by Age Group:
- The age group with the highest population in Northern Samar is 10 to 14, with 81,310 individuals.
- Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 80 and over, with 4,838 individuals.
2. Population Composition:
- Young Dependent Population (Aged 14 and Below): This group, which includes infants/babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers, makes up an aggregate of 37.05% of the population, totaling 234,269 individuals.
- Economically Active Population (Aged 15 to 64): Roughly, the economically active population and potential workforce constitute 57.91% of the population, with a total of 366,199 individuals.
- Old Dependent Population (Aged 65 and Over): Senior citizens aged 65 and over make up 5.05% of the population, totaling 31,911 individuals.
3. Age Dependency Ratios:
- Youth Dependents: Among the population of Northern Samar, there are 64 youth dependents for every 100 working-age individuals.
- Aged/Senior Citizens: There are 9 aged/senior citizens for every 100 working-age individuals.
- Overall Dependency: In total, there are 73 dependents (combining both the young and old-age) for every 100 working-age individuals.
4. Median Age:
- The median age of 21 indicates that half of the entire population of Northern Samar is aged less than 21, while the other half is over the age of 21.
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen | municipality | 25,228 | 25,469 | -0.20% | 47.60 | 530 | 20 |
| Biri | municipality | 11,274 | 11,767 | -0.90% | 24.62 | 458 | 8 |
| Bobon | municipality | 25,964 | 23,668 | 1.97% | 130.00 | 200 | 18 |
| Capul | municipality | 12,323 | 12,679 | -0.60% | 35.56 | 347 | 12 |
| Catarman | municipality, capital | 97,879 | 94,037 | 0.85% | 464.43 | 211 | 55 |
| Catubig | municipality | 32,174 | 33,025 | -0.55% | 217.02 | 148 | 47 |
| Gamay | municipality | 23,367 | 23,511 | -0.13% | 115.10 | 203 | 26 |
| Laoang | municipality | 60,607 | 61,359 | -0.26% | 246.94 | 245 | 56 |
| Lapinig | municipality | 11,844 | 13,020 | -1.97% | 57.30 | 207 | 15 |
| Las Navas | municipality | 36,621 | 37,947 | -0.75% | 282.61 | 130 | 53 |
| Lavezares | municipality | 29,390 | 28,770 | 0.45% | 119.50 | 246 | 26 |
| Lope de Vega | municipality | 14,690 | 14,687 | 0.00% | 280.00 | 52 | 22 |
| Mapanas | municipality | 14,234 | 14,025 | 0.31% | 117.85 | 121 | 13 |
| Mondragon | municipality | 41,415 | 38,726 | 1.42% | 288.90 | 143 | 24 |
| Palapag | municipality | 34,034 | 34,286 | -0.16% | 179.60 | 189 | 32 |
| Pambujan | municipality | 35,532 | 33,062 | 1.53% | 163.90 | 217 | 26 |
| Rosario | municipality | 10,949 | 10,520 | 0.85% | 31.60 | 346 | 11 |
| San Antonio | municipality | 8,882 | 9,058 | -0.41% | 27.00 | 329 | 10 |
| San Isidro | municipality | 27,867 | 26,650 | 0.94% | 255.90 | 109 | 14 |
| San Jose | municipality | 17,641 | 17,561 | 0.10% | 29.85 | 591 | 16 |
| San Roque | municipality | 29,882 | 30,580 | -0.48% | 152.98 | 195 | 16 |
| San Vicente | municipality | 6,928 | 7,856 | -2.61% | 15.80 | 438 | 7 |
| Silvino Lobos | municipality | 15,100 | 15,299 | -0.28% | 224.20 | 67 | 26 |
| Victoria | municipality | 15,361 | 14,817 | 0.76% | 186.70 | 82 | 16 |
| Northern Samar Total | 639,186 | 632,379 | 0.23% | 3,694.96 | 173 | 569 | |
Economy
| 1,104,615,057.28 | 17.47% | |
| 2016 | 1,187,075,415.22 | 7.47% |
|---|---|---|
| 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
While not widely recognized as a tourist destination, Northern Samar is a hidden paradise for nature enthusiasts. Its rugged terrains, pristine beaches, and lush forests offer endless opportunities for eco-tourism.
Visitors to Northern Samar can explore untouched natural wonders, embark on adventurous hikes, and revel in the tranquility of secluded beaches. The province’s unspoiled beauty is a refreshing escape for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
