Overview
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is the only landlocked region in the Philippines, located in the north-central part of Luzon. Known for its rugged mountain ranges, rich indigenous culture, and cool climate, CAR is home to the country’s largest concentration of ancestral domains and indigenous peoples, particularly the Igorot ethnolinguistic groups. The region serves as a major watershed cradle for Northern Luzon and is a center for highland agriculture, weaving, woodcraft, and eco‑tourism.
Provinces of CAR
CAR is composed of six provinces and one highly urbanized city:
- Abra – Known for its valleys, rivers, and traditional weaving communities.
- Apayao – Characterized by vast forests, waterfalls, and the Isnag cultural heritage.
- Benguet – The “Salad Bowl of the Philippines,” producing highland vegetables and flowers.
- Ifugao – Home of the UNESCO‑listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.
- Kalinga – Famous for tattoo culture, rice terraces, and river rafting.
- Mountain Province – Known for caves, hanging coffins, and limestone formations.
Cities and Municipalities
Highly Urbanized City
- Baguio City – The regional center and the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
Municipalities by Province
Abra (27 Municipalities)
Bangued (Capital), Boliney, Bucay, Bucloc, Daguioman, Danglas, Dolores, La Paz, Lacub, Lagangilang, Lagayan, Langiden, Licuan‑Baay, Luba, Malibcong, Manabo, Peñarrubia, Pidigan, Pilar, Sallapadan, San Isidro, San Juan, San Quintin, Tayum, Tineg, Villaviciosa
Apayao (7 Municipalities)
Calanasan, Conner, Flora, Kabugao (Capital), Luna, Pudtol, Santa Marcela
Benguet (13 Municipalities)
Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad (Capital), Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay
Ifugao (11 Municipalities)
Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Asipulo, Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe (Capital), Lamut, Mayoyao, Tinoc
Kalinga (9 Municipalities)
Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tabuk City (Component City & Capital), Tanudan, Tinglayan
Mountain Province (10 Municipalities)
Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Bontoc (Capital), Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada, Tadian
Administrative Divisions
CAR’s administrative structure includes:
- Regional Government Offices based in Baguio City
- Provincial Governments (6)
- City Government (Baguio City)
- Municipal Governments (77 total)
- Barangays (over 1,200)
- Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) recognized under NCIP
Geography
CAR is dominated by the Cordillera mountain range, with elevations reaching over 2,000 meters. Major rivers include the Chico River, Agno River, and Abra River. The region’s climate is generally cooler than lowland Luzon, with frequent fog and mild summers.
Key geographic features:
- Mount Pulag (2,926m) – Highest peak in Luzon
- Chico River Basin
- Agno River Watershed
- Rice Terraces systems (Ifugao, Benguet, Mountain Province)
Demographics
CAR has a population of approximately 1.8 million, composed largely of indigenous peoples:
- Igorot groups: Kankanaey, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Bontoc, Kalinga, Apayao/Isnag, Tingguian
- Strong preservation of indigenous languages and customs
- High literacy rate and strong educational institutions in Baguio City
Economy
CAR’s economy is driven by:
- Agriculture – Vegetables, cut flowers, fruits, coffee
- Tourism – Rice terraces, caves, mountains, cultural villages
- Mining – Gold, copper (regulated and historically significant)
- Handicrafts – Weaving, woodcarving, silverworks
- Education & Services – Centered in Baguio City
Infrastructure
Key infrastructure includes:
- Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Road connecting CAR to lowland Luzon
- Baguio Airport (Loakan) – Limited commercial flights
- Inter‑provincial road networks across mountain passes
- Hydroelectric facilities along major rivers
Tourism Highlights
Major attractions:
- Banaue Rice Terraces (UNESCO)
- Sagada’s Hanging Coffins
- Mount Pulag National Park
- Baguio City parks and heritage sites
- Kalinga tattoo culture (Whang‑Od)
- Apayao waterfalls and eco‑tourism sites
Related Pages & Guides
- Luzon Administrative Page
- Region I Administrative Page
- Region II Administrative Page
- Region III Administrative Page
- Cities & Towns of CAR
- Province Pages of CAR