an island in the central Philippines. Area, 4,400 sq km; approximately 5,100 sq km with the adjacent small islands that are part of Cebu Province. Length, approximately 220 km. Population, 634,000 (1970). Cebu is primarily mountainous, with elevations rising to 1,073 m. It is composed mainly of diorites and schists, with sandstones, argillaceous schists, and limestones lying underneath; there are occasional coral reefs along the coast. The island has deposits of copper ores and brown coal. The climate is subequatorial, with uniform humidity throughout the year and precipitation totaling approximately 1,500 mm annually. There are humid tropical forests in the mountains of central Cebu, with meadows predominating along the periphery. The coastal lowlands are planted with crops, the principal agricultural crop is corn, but sugarcane, rice, tobacco, and mangoes are also grown. Some fishing is done in the area. The main city is Cebu.
a city and port (for exports) in the Philippines, on the eastern shore of the island of Cebu; the capital of Cebu Province. Population, 347,100 (1970). After Manila, Cebu is the Philippines’ most important economic and cultural center. It is a trade and distribution point for the eastern Visayan Islands and northern Mindanao. Agricultural products are processed in the city, and there is a large coconut-oil factory. An international airport is located on Mactan Island, which is connected with the city by an 800-m bridge. Educational institutions include the University of San Carlos, founded in 1595.