Abra is a landlocked province located in the northwestern part of the Cordillera mountain range. It is bounded on the north by the provinces of Apayao and Ilocos Norte, on the east by Kalinga, on the south by Mountain Province, and on the west and southwest by Ilocos Sur. Terrain is mostly hilly and mountainous in the eastern part. A large valley drained by the Abra River is found in the western part. Climate is hot and dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

Abra Provincial Capitol

The province is accessible by land. The best way to reach it is by bus or by car passing through Ilocos Sur on the westside of the province. But for a more adventurous experience, the province can be reached through Kalinga Province on the eastside.

The province is inhabited mostly by the Tingguian tribe and some Ilocanos.

1. Quintin Paredes - Former Senate President and House Speaker
2. Ramon Valera - 2006 National Artist

With poverty incidence at 60.7, Abra is the 6th highest in the country and the second highest in the Cordillera Region after Apayao. Farming is the main source of income of the people. Agricultural production in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand metric tons, rank among 79 provinces)

Animal inventory of Abra in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand, rank among 79 provinces)

One product that the province of Abra is known for is its dyed fabrics. Other cottage industries include furniture, artifacts, and jewelry. At least 9 banks were operating in the province as of 2007 with total deposits of 1.7 billion pesos.

Commercial production of high value organic crops and the processing thereof are recommended. The province is also an ideal place to cultivate plants for biofuels like jatropha. Investors can also develop demonstration farms where exotic animals such as rabbit, deer, and ostrich are raised.

1. Victorias National Park
2. Provincial Capitol

Capitol photo credit to panoramio.com

1. Abra State Institute of Science and Technology-Bangued
2. Abra Valley Colleges
3. Data Center College of the Philippines of Bangued Abra
4. Divine Word College of Bangued
5. Abra State Institute of Science and Technology-Main

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