a group of peoples, including the Sulu, Samal, Magindanao, Yakan, and Lanao, or Maranao, who live on the Sulu Archipelago and the islands of Mindanao, Palawan, and Basilan in the Philippines. Total population, about 1.8 million (1970, estimate). Their languages are related to the Austronesian language family. Their religion is Islam.
The sultanates of Sulu and Magindanao arose among the Moro in the 15th century. In the late 19th century they were conquered by Spain. The Moro engage in agriculture (the Sulu also fish), and they have long engaged in crafts, navigation, and trade. The main features of their culture are similar to those of the Malayan peoples of Indonesia and Malaysia. Their language shows a significant Arabic influence.
a gulf of the Celebes Sea on the southwestern coast of Mindanao. It is 148 km long; its greatest width is 204 km. Depth ranges from 2,500 m to 5,000 m. The landward end of the gulf divides into two big bays, Sibuguey and Illana. Olutanga Island is in the Moro Gulf. The gulf has mixed semidiurnal tides of about 2 m elevation.