# Leyte

> island in the Philippines

**Wikidata**: [Q211377](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q211377)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leyte)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leyte

## Summary
Leyte is an island in the Philippines, part of the Visayas region. It is one of the larger islands in the country, with a population of approximately 2.4 million people. Located in the central part of the Philippines, Leyte is known for its historical significance, including its role in World War II, and its diverse landscapes, which include mountains, coastlines, and agricultural regions.

## Key Facts
- **Population**: 2,388,518 (2024 Census).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 10.8°, Longitude 124.9°.
- **Part of**: Visayas, one of the three island groups of the Philippines.
- **Country**: Philippines.
- **Aliases**: Leyte Island.
- **Sitelink Count**: 65 (Wikipedia).
- **Wikidata Description**: Island in the Philippines.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Leyte.

## FAQs
**What is the geographic and political significance of Leyte?**
Leyte is a major island in the Philippines, located in the Visayas region. It is part of the Eastern Visayas province and is known for its historical and cultural importance. The island has played a significant role in the country's history, including its involvement in World War II.

**What are the primary administrative divisions related to Leyte?**
Leyte is part of the Eastern Visayas region, which is one of the administrative divisions of the Philippines. The region includes several provinces and municipalities, contributing to its diverse cultural and economic landscape.

**What languages are spoken in Leyte?**
While the primary languages in the Philippines are Filipino and English, Leyte, like the rest of the country, has a rich linguistic diversity. Baybay, a local language, is spoken in some areas of Eastern Visayas, including parts of Leyte.

## Why It Matters
Leyte holds historical and cultural significance in the Philippines, particularly due to its role in World War II. The island was a key battleground during the conflict, and its strategic location made it an important site for military operations. Additionally, Leyte's diverse landscapes and agricultural regions contribute to the country's overall economic and environmental diversity. Its historical and cultural importance makes it a notable part of Philippine heritage.

## Notable For
- **Historical Battleground**: Leyte was a significant site during World War II, known for its role in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
- **Cultural and Agricultural Diversity**: The island is known for its rich cultural heritage and agricultural productivity, including rice and coconut farming.
- **Part of the Visayas Region**: Leyte is one of the largest islands in the Visayas region, contributing to the region's economic and cultural significance.

## Body
### Geography and Environment
Leyte is located in the central part of the Philippines, part of the Visayas region. It is bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east and the West Philippine Sea to the west. The island has a diverse terrain, including mountains, coastlines, and agricultural regions. Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, is located in the neighboring Mindanao region but is part of the broader Visayas island group.

### Demographics and Society
The population of Leyte is approximately 2.4 million people, making it one of the more densely populated islands in the Philippines. The island is part of the Eastern Visayas region, which includes several provinces and municipalities. The primary languages spoken in the region include Filipino, English, and Baybay, a local language.

### History and Governance
Leyte has a rich history, including its involvement in World War II. The island was a key battleground during the conflict, and its strategic location made it an important site for military operations. The Philippines, as a whole, has evolved through several distinct periods of governance, from Spanish colonial rule to American administration and finally to a sovereign republic.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Leyte contributes to the Philippines' overall economy through its agricultural productivity, including rice and coconut farming. The island's infrastructure includes roads, bridges, and other transportation networks that support its economic activities. The Philippines, as a major emerging market, has a nominal GDP exceeding $404 billion (2022), with a high human development index of 0.699.

### International Relations
The Philippines maintains extensive diplomatic relations globally, including with the United States, China, Japan, and other key international partners. The country is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and the World Trade Organization. Its strategic location and historical significance make it an important player in regional and global affairs.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. MusicBrainz
4. [Source](https://www.psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/2015%20population%20counts%20Summary_0.xlsx)
5. BabelNet
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File