Province of Samar
Samar Profile
Samar is a province in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), known for its rugged uplands, long coastline, and strategic gateway role in the central Philippines.
The province combines rich natural landscapes with major population centers such as Catbalogan City and Calbayog City, and remains a key hub for culture, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism.
Region
Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)
Capital
Catbalogan City
Land Area
Approximately 6,048 sq km
Population (2020)
793,183
Population Density
131 persons per sq km
Administrative Units
2 cities, 24 municipalities, 951 barangays
Overview
Samar occupies the southwestern portion of Samar Island and is bounded by major marine corridors, including the Philippine Sea, Samar Sea, and Leyte Gulf. The San Juanico Bridge links the island to Leyte and supports regional connectivity.
The province’s interior is generally hilly to mountainous with tropical vegetation, while coastal communities rely heavily on marine and agricultural livelihoods. Waray-Waray is widely spoken and remains central to local identity and governance.
Did You Know?
- Samar is one of the largest islands in the Philippines and a core part of the Eastern Visayas island group.
- The San Juanico Bridge, a major Philippine landmark, links Samar and Leyte and strengthens inter-island connectivity.
- Waray-Waray is the dominant language in Samar and a central part of local identity and everyday community life.
- The province combines mountain interiors and long coastlines, shaping both agricultural and fisheries-based livelihoods.
- Catbalogan City and Calbayog City serve as the province’s two primary urban centers.