About Davao

Davao, chartered city, southern Philippines, on Mindanao Island, in Davao del Sur Province. Local products include Manila hemp (or abaca), rice, coconuts, and spices; the region also has large stands of timber and a flourishing livestock industry. People of Japanese and Chinese origin constitute a small segment of the population. The primary indigenous groups include Moros, Bisayans (Visayans), and Bagobos. The city, on Davao Gulf, is the commercial center of the province, with a large export and import trade. It is the seat of the University of Mindanao (1946). Population (1999 estimate) 1,121,812.