Luzon

Luzon ( loo-ZON, Tagalog: [luˈson]) is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. Located in the northern portion of the Philippine archipelago, it is the economic and political center of the nation. The country's capital city, Manila, as well as Quezon City, the country's most populous city, are located on the island of Luzon. Luzon has a population of 64.3 million as of 2024; this constitutes more than half of the total population of the Philippines. Luzon is the 4th most populous island in the world. It is the 15th largest island in the world by area of land. Luzon may also refer to one of the three primary island groups in the country. In this usage, it includes the Luzon Mainland, the Batanes and Babuyan groups of islands to the north, Polillo Islands to the east, and the outlying islands of Catanduanes, Marinduque and Mindoro, among others, to the south. The islands and provinces of Masbate, Palawan and Romblon are also included, although these three are sometimes grouped with another of the island groups, the Visayas.