Lanao del Sur

Lanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on the island of Mindanao. The province covers roughly 15,055.51 square kilometers and is composed of 39 municipalities and 1,159 barangays. The capital of the province is Marawi City, which also serves as the provincial center. Lanao del Sur is known for its rich Maranao culture and heritage and is home to natural and cultural attractions such as Lake Lanao, Torogan houses, and the iconic Grand Mosque of Marawi.

HISTORY

Lanao del Sur was originally part of the larger Lanao Province during the Spanish colonial period. The area was inhabited predominantly by the Maranao people, known for their rich culture, Islamic traditions, and governance under local sultanates. During the American period, Lanao was organized as a special province in 1903 under the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, reflecting the distinct cultural identity of the Maranaos. In 1959, Lanao Province was divided into Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, with Marawi designated as the capital of the southern portion, cementing its role as the cultural and political center of the Maranao people. Throughout the 20th century, Lanao del Sur experienced both economic and political development, as well as social challenges stemming from armed conflicts in Mindanao. The province became part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1989 and later the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019, granting it greater autonomy. Despite facing natural disasters and the devastation of Marawi City during the 2017 siege, the province continues to preserve its cultural heritage, traditional arts, and Islamic institutions, while rebuilding its communities and promoting socio-economic growth.

QUICK FACTS
Population Census (2024)	1,368,137
Land Area (2015)	15,055.51 km²
No. of households	183,629
Average Household Size	6.51
Registered Voters	706,919
Major Landmarks	Lake Lanao
Coastal Access	yes
estimated elevation above sea level	634 meters

Map

Lanao del Sur Province is located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) of the Philippines. It is situated in the central-western part of Mindanao, bounded on the north by Lanao del Norte, on the east by Bukidnon and Cotabato, on the south by Maguindanao, and on the west by Illana Bay.

MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA

Lanao del Sur has 39 municipalities and 1,159 barangays.

name	type	barangay_count	population_2020	population_2024
Amai Manablang	Municipality	17	12124	14837
Baosok-Kalawi	Municipality	26	23129	24831
Balubagan	Municipality	27	29683	31227
Balindong	Municipality	38	32573	40047
Bayang	Municipality	49	28023	30227
Biaidayan	Municipality	26	25965	27031
Bhadipooo-Buntong	Municipality	33	18046	23283
Bukong	Municipality	36	26514	28733
Bulju	Municipality	16	22768	25394
Cainrogas	Municipality	17	14985	17585
Ditsaan-Ramain	Municipality	35	24406	26918
Gansasi	Municipality	32	30802	33897
Kapai	Municipality	20	20581	21630
Kapalagan	Municipality	15	20498	23228
Lumba-bayabao	Municipality	38	45909	50959
Lumbaca-unayan	Municipality	9	8131	8768
Lumbatan	Municipality	21	22780	24988
Lumbayanague	Municipality	22	19091	21469
Madahun	Municipality	37	26478	30044
Madaniya	Municipality	24	22050	24882
Magning	Municipality	34	30436	37292
Mahabang	Municipality	37	49088	58377
Murantao	Municipality	34	37763	46233
City of Marawi	City, Capital	96	207010	259993
Munogong	Municipality	24	30118	33595
Masui	Municipality	35	33580	36803
Midondo	Municipality	26	19932	23159
Pagayawan	Municipality	18	15057	15659
Piaggio	Municipality	37	30132	40558
Picong	Municipality	19	18907	10296
Poossa-Bayabao	Municipality	25	31141	33307
Paula	Municipality	23	14526	18020
Sagutran	Municipality	30	26712	28807
Sultan Dumalondong	Municipality	7	12500	12984
Tagobon II	Municipality	19	12602	12843
Tamparan	Municipality	44	32074	37190
Tanaka	Municipality	43	27184	29588
Tubaran	Municipality	21	16896	17567
Tugaya	Municipality	23	24778	26283
Wao	Municipality	26	50366	51081

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population by Age Group

Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is below 5 years, with 182,935 individuals, followed closely by those aged 5-9 years (160,635) and 10-14 years (156,444). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 80 years and above, with only 3,114 individuals.

age	population_2020
Below 5	182935
5-9	160635
10-14	156444
15-19	0
20-24	0
25-29	0
30-34	0
35-39	0
40-44	0
45-49	0
50-54	0
55-59	0
60-64	0
65-69	0
70-74	0
75-79	0
80+	3114

Population by Gender

In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 49.46% males and 50.54% females, indicating a higher number of females than males.

ECONOMY

Production Value of Agriculture and Fisheries in Lanao del Sur

From 2018 to 2023, crop production in Lanao del Sur steadily increased from 18,267 to 27,811 metric tons. Livestock production showed slight fluctuations but generally rose from 915 to 1,398 metric tons. Poultry production also increased overall, from 741 to 1,367 metric tons, despite a dip in 2019. Fisheries production grew from 1,154 metric tons in 2018 to a peak of 1,916 in 2021 but then declined to 1,169 metric tons in 2023.

title	2022	2023
Crops	23450	27811
Livestock	1198	1398
Poultry	1083	1367
Fisheries	1041	1169

BARANGAY