the region difficult. The frequent typhoons (at least 12 typhoons/year) it experiences challenges the development of its agri-industrial potential.

It is the fourth largest region of the country with a land area of approximately 26,838 sq. kms. after Region IV (the largest), Region XI and Region X.

POPULATION
In 2000, it had a total population of 2,756,000 In 1995, Isabela had the largest population at 45.8%, Cagayan at 35.29%, Nueva Vizcaya at 13.24%, Quirino at 5.17% and Batanes with the least, at .559% of the total population. In 1990, the population was predominantly rural ,76.5% compared to an urban population of 23.5%.

CULTURAL GROUPS
The original inhabitants of Region II are the ethnic tribes of Ibanags, Gaddangs, ltawis, Yogads and Isnegs.

CLIMATE
The provinces of the region have two seasons: dry from December to May and wet the rest of the year. Average annual rainfall is 2,500 millimeters. Due to the region’s high altitude and the interior position of its valleys, it has greater seasonal changes compared with other regions of the country .

LAND USE
Forestland comprises 64% of the total land area of 2,683,758 hectares while 36% are alienable and disposable land. The region has an agricultural economy with rice, corn, sugarcane, banana, coconut, and tobacco as its major crops. 37% of its total land area are agricultural land. The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo has destroyed some prime agricutural land in Central Luzon leaving Region II with the highest irrigable land area of 538,710 hectares. It is a major supplier of agricultural products to the National Capital Region, Regions III and IV and produces approximately 10-15% of the annual rice and corn production. Other agricultural products include rootcrops, peanut, mongo, fruits and vegetables.

NATURAL RESOURCES
The region has abundant water resources and indigenous energy sources such as hydropower, geothermal, gas and coal deposits. It has wide areas of arable land in the Cagayan River Basin and the Abulug River Basin. It has mineral reserves of gold, copper, manganese, nickel and non-metallic minerals of soft clay, limestone, sulphur and shale. Municipal fishing is its principal source of fish production.

INDUSTRIES
The region is lagging behind the other regions in terms of development. It is the second lowest contributor to the country’s gross regional domestic product. There is an over concentration on rice and corn crops, which covers 90% of the total agricultural land. The inland water resources, with an aggregate area of 22,724 hectares and 890 kms. of coastline must be maximized since only 10% of its potential is being utilized. Of the 471,009 hectares of potential pastureland, only 15% are classified as managed pastureland. Only 490 hectares (.38%) of its potential mining area of 128,501 hectares is being utilized.

Trading, augmented by cottage industries, is its major activity. There are few medium and large-scale industries in the region. Its proximity to the East Asian countries is an advantage in terms of trade due to the savings in the cost of transporting goods. It is hoped to develop the region into a “viable transhippment point and industrial area” for Northern Luzon. The Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port (CSEZFP), together with the Cauayan Regional Agro-Industrial center and Batan Island Ecozone in Batanes province form a network for development of the region .

URBAN CENTERS
Region II’s major urban centers are the capital town of Basco in Batanes, Aparri and Tuguegarao in Cagayan, Ilagan in Isabela, Bayombong and Solano in Nueva Vizcaya and Cabarroguis in Quirino.

FACILITIES
The lack of transportation facilities hinders the development of the region especially in the mountainous areas. Trading is mostly confined to the urban areas of the five provinces. The Region has seaports and airports. Its road network links the provinces. Communication facilities and electricity are available in all five provinces.