Masbate

Masbate (mäsbä`tā), island, 1,262 sq mi (3,269 sq km), the Philippines, one of the Visayan Islands, S of SE Luzon. Gold, which has been mined there for centuries, is still produced in quantity; copper is also mined. The densely populated coastal plains are intensively cultivated. The town of Masbate is the island's trading center.

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Masbate

Island (pop. 2000: 707,668) of the Visayan group, central Philippines. The V-shaped island occupies an area of 1,262 sq mi (3,269 sq km); its capital is Masbate (pop., 2000: 71,441). Explored by Spain in the late 16th century, it was ruled by the Spanish until the Spanish-American War, when the U.S. gained control. It was occupied by the Japanese during World War II but was recovered by the U.S. in 1945. Gold has been mined for centuries near Aroroy in the north.

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Masbate

1. an island in the central Philippines, between Negros and SE Luzon: agricultural, with resources of gold, copper, and manganese. Pop. (Masbate province): 707 668 (2000). Area: 4045 sq. km (1562 sq. miles)

2. the capital of this island, a port in the northeast. Pop.: 71 441 (2000)