Albay is bounded on the north by the Province of Camarines Sur and on the south by the Province of Sorsogon. The Lagonoy and Albay Gulfs form the coastal regions of the northeast while the Burias Pass separates the province from the island of Burias of the Province of Masbate. In the west lies low and rolling mountains while in the east rises the high and majestic Mayon Volcano and the mountains of Malinao and Masaraga.
Ancient burial jars unearthed in Albay indicate early settlement and flourishing trade relations between the people of the province and China. It is believed that Albay was settled more than 2,000 years ago. The Spaniards came across flourishing communities in the region when they first landed in the area in the mid-16th century.
Agriculture accounts for the largest share in the total production and source of employment. Products such as coconut, rice, abaca and corn are Albay's major crops. Abaca was once the largest export of the province and existing plantations supply the needs of the handicraft industries that manufacture assortment of products made of hemp. Sinamay and pinukpok, fabrics woven from abaca hemp, are also important cottage industries of the Albayanos.
Region : 5
Province : Albay
Land Area : 255,260 hectares
No. of Barangays : 720
Population :1,090,907 (2000 census)
No. of Households : 208,640
Average Household Size : 5
Income Classification : 1st Class
Poverty Incidence : 39.6% (2000)
Functional Employment Rate : 16.5% (2003)
Investment Generation : 29.88% over the regional data
Average Monthly Family Income : Php 9,171.42
Malnutrition Rate : 1.43%
Infant Mortality Rate : 11.9/1,000 live births
Maternal Mortality Rate : 0.83/1,000 live births
Annual Income Rate : 5.2% (2003)
