Cebu (pop. 5,151,274) is an island province in the center of the Visayan Islands in the Philippines. Cebu is a long, narrow island, with an area of 1,965 square miles (5,089 square kilometers). It is the most densely populated province in the Philippines. Cebu has a high, mountainous backbone that runs the length of the island, about 140 miles (225 kilometers). Farmers cultivate much of the land, even on steep slopes. Corn, harvested three times a year, is the islanders’ main crop. Cebu farmers also grow coconuts, fruit, rice, sugar cane, and tobacco. Cebu possesses some mineral deposits, including copper, coal, and gold. See also Cebu City; Visayan Islands.
