Ilocos Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region. Its capital is Laoag City, located in the northwest corner of Luzon Island, bordering Cagayan and Apayao to the east, and Abra to the southeast, and Ilocos Sur to the southwest. The name "Ilocos" is derived from the Ilocano word "Iloko," which means "from the bay". "Norte" is the Spanish word for "north".
Here are some key facts and statistics about Ilocos Norte:
- Population (2020 census): 609,588
- Rank in population among Philippine provinces: 53rd out of 81
- Density: 180/km2 (460/sq mi)
- Rank in density among Philippine provinces: 52nd out of 81
- Number of barangays (the smallest administrative division in the Philippines): 559
- Major religions: Roman Catholicism and the Aglipayan Church
- Notable landmarks: Saint Williams Cathedral in Laoag, St. Augustine Church in Paoay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Fort Ilocandia
- Major festival: Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals
Ilocos Norte is known for its distinctive geography and culture, including numerous examples of well-preserved Spanish colonial era architecture. The province offers a wide variety of activities and sites for tourists, including pristine beaches, majestic mountains, historical landmarks, and thrilling adventures.