What is the population of Cebu Province?

Cebu Province has a population of over 3.3 million people, making it the most populous province in the Philippines. Metro Cebu has approximately 2.9 million residents.

What is the climate like in Cebu?

Cebu has a tropical monsoon climate with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C year-round. The best time to visit is January to April during the dry season.

How many cities and municipalities are in Cebu?

Cebu Province consists of 9 cities and 44 municipalities, totaling 53 local government units spread across the main island and surrounding islands.

What are the major industries in Cebu?

The major industries in Cebu include BPO (35% of regional economy), tourism (25%), manufacturing (20%), real estate (10%), and shipping/IT (10%).

Cebu Factbook

A quick factsheet of Cebu's geography, demographics, economy, culture, and more.

📍Geography & Location

Cebu is a province in the Central Visayas (Region VII) of the Philippines, consisting of a main island and 167 surrounding islands and islets. The main island stretches 196 kilometers from north to south and 32 kilometers at its widest point, with a total land area of 4,932.79 square kilometers (1,905.33 sq mi).

196 km

Island Length

32 km

Maximum Width

167+

Surrounding Islands

Coordinates10°17'N 123°54'E

Total Area4,932.79 km² (1,905.33 sq mi)

Coastline870 kilometers

Highest PointOsmeña Peak (1,013 m / 3,323 ft)

Water BodiesCamotes Sea (east), Tañon Strait (west), Visayan Sea (north)

Adjacent ProvincesNegros Island (west), Bohol (southeast), Siquijor (south), Leyte (east)

👥Demographics

Cebu is the most populous province in the Philippines, with Cebu City being the oldest city and first Spanish settlement in the country. The province has a young population with a median age of 25 years.

3.3M+

Total Population

674

People per km²

Median Age

Population Details

Total Population3,325,385 (province), 2,938,982 (Metro Cebu)

Population Density674/km² (1,750/sq mi)

Age Structure0-14 years (32%), 15-64 years (63%), 65+ years (5%)

LanguagesCebuano (primary, 94.5%), Filipino (3.5%), English (2%), Others (1%)

Religious Affiliation

80% - Roman Catholic

10% - Protestant

5% - Other Christian

3% - Islam

2% - Others/None

📈Economy

Cebu is the most economically dynamic province in the Visayas and one of the fastest-growing economies in the Philippines. It serves as the main center of commerce, trade, education, and industry in the Visayas region.

₱1.2T

GDP (2023)

7.2%

GDP Growth

4.5%

Inflation Rate

$6,500

GDP Per Capita

Key Economic Indicators (2023)

GDP₱1.2 trillion (US$21.8 billion)

GDP per capita₱360,000 (US$6,500)

GDP Growth Rate7.2% (2023)

Inflation Rate4.5% (2023)

Major Industries

35% - BPO

of regional economy

25% - Tourism

of regional economy

20% - Manufacturing

of regional economy

10% - Real Estate

of regional economy

5% - Shipping

of regional economy

5% - IT

of regional economy

Competitiveness Rankings

📊

Explore the DTI Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index for Cebu

View economic rankings, government profiles, and competitiveness scores.

→

🏛️Culture & Heritage

Cebu has a rich cultural heritage as the site of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines and the birthplace of Christianity in the Far East. The province is known for its vibrant festivals, historical landmarks, and unique traditions.

Cultural Highlights

Sinulog Festival

Held every January, it's one of the grandest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines, honoring the Santo Niño (Child Jesus)

Historical Sites

Magellan's Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, Colon Street (oldest street in the Philippines)

Traditional Arts

Guitar-making (Carcar), furniture crafting, shell craft, and basket weaving

Cuisine

Lechon Cebu (roasted pig), dried mangoes, otap (flaky pastry), puso (hanging rice), and seafood specialties

Music & Dance

Sinulog dance, Rondalla music, and Cebuano love songs (balak)

☀️Climate

Cebu has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

24-32°C

Avg Temperature

1,700mm

Annual Rainfall

75-85%

Avg Humidity

Climate Details

Climate TypeTropical monsoon (Köppen Am)

Temperature24-32°C (75-90°F) year-round

Hottest MonthsApril-May (up to 35°C/95°F)

Coolest MonthsDecember-February (as low as 22°C/72°F)

Annual Rainfall1,600-1,800 mm (63-71 in)

Wettest MonthOctober (250-300 mm)

Driest MonthApril (50-70 mm)

HumidityAverage 75-85%

Best Time to Visit: January to April (dry season) for outdoor activities and festivals

🏢Government & Administration

Cebu is a first-class province with a decentralized form of government, consisting of the provincial government and various local government units (LGUs).

Cities

Municipalities

1,203

Barangays

Districts

Administrative Divisions

Provincial CapitalCebu City (independent component city)

Component CitiesCarcar, Danao, Naga, Talisay, Bogo, Toledo (6 total)

Highly UrbanizedCebu City, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue (3 total)

Municipalities44 municipalities across the province

Barangays1,203 (including 80 urban barangays in Metro Cebu)

Districts7 congressional districts

Key Government Officials (as of 2026)

Governor

Pamela S. Baricuatro

Vice Governor

Glenn Anthony Soco

📚References & Sources

The information in this factbook is compiled from the following authoritative sources:

Official Data Sources

GeographyPhilippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)

DemographicsPhilippine Statistics Authority 2020 Census, Philippine Department of Health

EconomyCebu Provincial Economic Enterprise Office, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cebu Chamber of Commerce

CultureNational Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Cebu Provincial Tourism Office

ClimatePhilippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

GovernmentCebu Provincial Government website, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Data accuracy is maintained through regular updates from official government sources and verified publications. If you notice any inaccuracies or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us.

Explore Cebu

Discover the official tourism resources for all of Cebu's cities and municipalities.

Visit Tourism Portals→Read Our Notes→