Located at the southern part of Luzon Island of the Philippines, Albay is about 550 kilometers away from Manila. It is bounded on the north by the province of Camarines sur, on the east by Lagonoy Gulf, on the south by Sorsogon Province, and on the west by Ragay Gulf. The province is mostly mountainous and hilly with small patches of lowlands especially in the northern and southern part. Average temperature is 27 degree celsius. Like the rest of Bicol Region, Albay is visited by desctructive typhoons starting from the second-half of May up to the first-half of December.

Albay Provincial Capitol

Albay can be reached by air through Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. Travel time from Manila to Legaspi City is about one hour. By land, one can ride on air-conditioned buses that ply the Manila-Legaspi route daily with an average travel time of 10 hours. By sea, One can reach Albay from the Visayan regions through shipping lines that offer regular trips to Masbate and on to Albay via Pilar, Sorsogon.

Bicolanos are very religious. Catholics outnumber other religious groups. In many parts of the province, antiquated stone churches erected out of massive volcanic boulders and stone blocks are found.

1. Simeon Ola -

Generally, the Bicol dialect is the common tongue but Tagalog and English are widely spoken.

Agricultural production of Albay in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand metric tons, rank among 79 provinces)

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

Other farm products include abaca, pili nuts, rootcrops, and vegetables. The province is rich in minerals. The island municipality of Rapu-Rapu is endowed with gold, silver, copper and zinc. Sandwiched between Cagraray and Rapu-Rapu Islands is coal-rich Batan Island. Because Albay is endowed with many natural and man-made attractions, tourism is a big source of income. It has numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants in different parts of the province.

Large manufacturing plants include Isarog Pulp and Paper that produces specialty paper products from abaca in its factory in Daraga and coconut oil mills in Legaspi City. Cottage industries include cutlery, pottery, and handicraft making. Geothermal energy is produced in Tiwi and Manito towns. As of 2007, there were 62 banks in the province with total deposits of 15.4 billion pesos. Poverty incidence stood at 46.2 in 2006, way above the national average of 32.9%.

The economic potential of Albay is yet to be fully realized. Investment in tourist-related businesses is being promoted aggressively by the government. Businesses related to agriculture such as production of high value commercial crops and food processing are highly recommended. A modern cold storage terminal should be put up. Mining is another lucrative investment area but it is a highly controversial issue. The ceramics and cutlery industries have export potential but modern technology should be used to produce commercial quantities at competitive prices.

1. Mayon Volcano - the world's most perfect cone
2. Cagsawa Ruins - a lavish church during the Spanish era that was buried when Mayon erupted in February 1, 1814.
3. Bacman Eco-park - located in Manito, Albay.
4. Batan Island - home to the mysterious Pototan Cave
5. Misibis Beach - in Cagraray Island
6. Daraga Church - an example of Baroque architecture
7. Camalig town has several caves
8. Busay Falls in Malilipot
9. Beaches in Sto. Domingo
10. Diving sites in Rapu-Rapu Island

Capitol photo credit to pinoyadventurista.com

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