Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte is a coastal province in the Ilocos Region (Region I) in Northern Luzon, Philippines. Known as the 'Gateway to the North,' it covers about 3,418.75 square kilometers and is composed of 2 cities, 21 municipalities, and 559 barangays. The capital of the province is Laoag City. The name 'Ilocos' comes from i-looc, meaning 'from the cove' or 'bay.' Today, Ilocos Norte is famous for its Paoay Church, Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud beaches, and rich Ilocano culture and cuisine.

HISTORY

Ilocos Norte was one of the earliest settled areas in Luzon, with its original inhabitants being the Ilocanos, known for their skills in farming and weaving. When the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, they organized the area into a province called Ilocos, which originally included the present-day provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union. Because of the large population, the province was divided in 1818, creating Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Ilocos Norte played an important role in Philippine history. It was the birthplace of Juan Luna, a world-renowned painter, and President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The province also became a center of resistance during both the Spanish and Japanese occupations. Today, Ilocos Norte is known for preserving its Spanish-era churches, heritage houses, and cultural traditions, while also embracing modern developments like wind energy through the Bangui Windmills.

QUICK FACTS
Population (2024)	618,850
Land Area (sq.km)	3,418.75
No. of Households	60,352
Average Household Size	4.49
Registered Voters	436,909
Major Landmark	Paoay Church
Coastal Access	Yes
Elevation (above sea level)	10–50m

Map

Ilocos Norte is located in the Ilocos Region (Region I) in the northern part of Luzon. It is a coastal province facing the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). It is bounded on the north by the Luzon Strait, on the east by Cagayan and Apayao, on the south by Abra and Ilocos Sur, and on the west by the South China Sea.

MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA

Ilocos Norte has 21 municipalities, 2 cities, and 559 barangays.

name	type	barangay_count	population_2020	population_2024
Adams	Municipality	1	2189	2279
Bacarra	Municipality	43	33496	32734
Badoc	Municipality	31	32300	32832
Bangui	Municipality	14	15290	15827
City of Batac	City (CC), Capital	43	19297	56781
Burgos	Municipality	11	5548	10962
Carasi	Municipality	3	1059	1776
Currimao	Municipality	23	1607	12256
Dingras	Municipality	31	12115	19476
Dumalneg	Municipality	4	1217	1362
Banna	Municipality	21	3087	19632
City of Laoag	City (CC), Capital	80	111651	120531
Marcos	Municipality	13	11968	13105
Nueva Era	Municipality	11	11061	11305
Pagudpud	Municipality	16	26078	28204
Paoay	Municipality	31	29078	30521
Pasuquin	Municipality	33	29671	30521
Piddig	Municipality	23	21958	22971
Pinili	Municipality	25	17405	18266
San Nicolas	Municipality	24	35896	39116
Sarrat	Municipality	24	22851	26949
Solsona	Municipality	23	24851	26249
Vintar	Municipality	33	33359	35051

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population by Age Group (2020)

Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 10–14, with 55,261 individuals, followed closely by those aged 15–19 years (54,061) and 20–24 years (52,276). In contrast, the smallest population is found in the 75–79 years, with only 9,753 individuals.

age	population_2020
10–14	55261
15–19	54061
20–24	52276
75–79	9753

Population by Gender (2020)

In 2020, Ilocos Norte’s population was composed of 50.33% males and 49.67% females, indicating a slightly higher number of males than females.

ECONOMY

Agriculture

From 2018 to 2023, crop production in Ilocos Norte steadily increased from 13,192 to 16,921. Livestock production also grew, starting at 3,030 in 2018 and peaking at 5,256 in 2021 before slightly declining to 5,025 in 2023. Poultry production showed consistent growth, rising from 1,438 in 2018 to 1,968 in 2023. Meanwhile, fisheries production fluctuated, reaching a high of 959 in 2020 but later decreasing to 636 in 2023.

title	2022	2023
Crops	16305	16921
Livestock	5100	5025
Poultry	1860	1968
Fisheries	670	636

BARANGAY