View source for Northern Samar

{{Use Philippine English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Northern Samar
| native_name              = {{native name|fil|Hilagang Samar}}
| settlement_type          = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}}
| image_skyline            = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = 
US Navy 061104-N-5067K-055 USS Essex (LHD 2) passes the Capul Island Lighthouse as it transits through the San Bernardino Straits.jpg
| photo2a = Dalupiri15.jpg
| photo2b = Church of Bobon, Northern Samar.jpg
| photo3a = Northern Samar Provincial Capitol 01.JPG
| photo3b = San Vicente NorSam.jpg
| photo4a = 
Inbound7188120257094756352.jpg
| size = 250
| spacing = 2
| color = transparent
| border = 0
}}
| image_alt                = 
| image_caption            = (from top: left to right) [[San Bernardino Strait]], [[San Antonio, Northern Samar|Dalupiri Island]], [[Bobon|Church of Bobon]], [[Catarman, Northern Samar|Provincial Capitol]], [[San Vicente, Northern Samar|San Vicente Islands]], and [[Capul Island Lighthouse|Capul Lighthouse]]
| image_flag               = {{PH wikidata|image_flag}}
| flag_size                = 120x80px
| image_seal               = {{PH wikidata|image_seal}}
| seal_size                = 100x80px
| image_map                = {{PH wikidata|image_map}}
| coordinates              = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}}
| subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name         = {{PH wikidata|country}}
| subdivision_type1        = [[Regions of the Philippines|Region]]
| subdivision_name1        = {{PH wikidata|region}}
| established_title        = [[Date of establishment|Founded]]
| established_date         = June 19, 1965
| seat_type                = Capital<br/>{{nobold|and largest municipality}}
| seat                     = {{PH wikidata|seat}}
| government_type          = {{PH wikidata|government_type}}
| leader_party             = 
| leader_title             = [[Governor of Northern Samar|Governor]]
| leader_name              = Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan ([[National Unity Party|NUP]])
| leader_title1            = Vice Governor
| leader_name1             = Clarence E. Dato ([[Partido Federal ng Pilipinas|PFP]])
| leader_title2            = Legislature
| leader_name2             = [[Northern Samar Provincial Board]]
| area_footnotes           = <ref name=nscblist>{{cite web |title=List of Provinces |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listprov.asp |work=PSGC Interactive |publisher=National Statistical Coordination Board |access-date=April 12, 2013 |location=Makati City, Philippines}}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = {{PH wikidata|area}}
| area_rank                = 34th out of 81
| elevation_max_m          = 514
| elevation_max_point      = [[Mount Saamong]]
| population_footnotes     = {{PH census|current|08}}
| population_total         = {{PH wikidata|population_total}}
| population_as_of         = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}}
| population_rank          = 48th out of 81
| population_density_km2   = auto
| population_density_rank  = 51st out of 81
| demographics_type1       = Divisions
| demographics1_title1     = [[Cities of the Philippines#Independent cities|Independent&nbsp;cities]]
| demographics1_info1      = 0
| demographics1_title2     = [[Cities of the Philippines|Component cities]]
| demographics1_info2      = 0
| demographics1_title3     = [[Municipalities of the Philippines|Municipalities]]
| demographics1_info3      = {{Collapsible list
| titlestyle              = font-weight:normal;text-align:left;background-color:WhiteSmoke;
| title                   = 24
 | {{PH wikidata|municipalities}}
}}
| demographics1_title4     = [[Barangay]]s
| demographics1_info4      = 569
| demographics1_title5     = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|Districts]]
| demographics1_info5      = [[Legislative districts of Northern Samar]]
| timezone                 = [[Philippine Standard Time|PHT]]
| utc_offset               = +8
| postal_code_type         = [[List of ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP code]]
| postal_code              = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}}
| area_code_type           = {{areacodestyle}}
| area_code                = {{PH wikidata|area_code}}
| iso_code                 = {{PH wikidata|iso_code}}
| blank_name_sec1          = Spoken languages
| blank_info_sec1          = {{hlist | [[Waray language|Waray]] | [[Abaknon language|Inabaknon]] | [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] | [[Philippine English|English]] }}
| blank_name_sec2          = Highway routes
| blank_info_sec2          = [[File:AH26 (N1) sign.svg|21px]] [[File:N670 (Philippines).svg|21px]] [[File:N671 (Philippines).svg|21px]] [[File:N672 (Philippines).svg|21px]]
| website                  = {{Official URL}}
| image_map1               = {{hidden begin|title=OpenStreetMap|ta1=center}}{{Infobox mapframe|frame-width=250|zoom=8}}{{hidden end}}
}}

'''Northern Samar''' ({{langx|war|Amihanan Samar/Norte san Samar}}; {{langx|tl|Hilagang Samar}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Mapa ng mga Wika (Rehiyon) - Rehiyon VIII |url=https://kwf.gov.ph/mapa-ng-mga-wika-rehiyon/14/ |publisher=[[Commission on the Filipino Language]] |access-date=September 23, 2021 |language=fil}}</ref>), officially the '''Province of Northern Samar''', is a [[Provinces of the Philippines|province]] in the [[Philippines]] located in the [[Eastern Visayas]] [[Regions of the Philippines|region]]. Its capital is [[Catarman, Northern Samar|Catarman]], the most populous town in the province and is located at the northern portion of the [[Samar (island)|island of Samar]]. Bordering the province to the south are the provinces of [[Samar (province)|Samar]] and [[Eastern Samar]]. To the northwest, across the [[San Bernardino Strait]] is [[Sorsogon]]; to the east is the [[Philippine Sea]] of the [[Pacific Ocean]] and to the west is [[Samar Sea]].

==History==
{{further|Samar (historical province)}}

===Spanish colonial era===
Historian William Henry Scott wrote that a "Samar datu by the name of Iberein was rowed out to a Spanish vessel anchored in his harbor in 1543 by oarsmen collared in gold; while wearing on his own person earrings and chains." In the local epic called ''siday'' entitled Bingi of Lawan as written in the article of Scott, Lawan is a prosperous settlement in Samar.<ref>{{cite book|last=Scott|first=William Henry|title=Cracks in the parchment curtain and other essays in Philippine history|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dKvtAAAAMAAJ|year=1985|publisher=New Day Publishers|isbn=978-971-10-0073-8|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=dKvtAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Samar+chieftain%22 93]}}</ref>

In 1596, many names, such as Samal, Ibabao, and Tandaya, were given to [[Samar|Samar Island]] prior to the coming of the Spaniards in 1596. During the early days of Spanish occupation, Samar was under the jurisdiction of [[Cebu]].

In 1614, the [[Jesuits]] established a [[mission (station)|mission residence]] in [[Palapag, Northern Samar|Palapag]] among the Ibabao populace. These missionaries stayed until the late 17th century when they were [[Suppression of the Society of Jesus|expelled from the Philippines]] in 1768 and were replaced by the [[Franciscans]].

As the San Bernardino Strait was along the route of the Spanish [[Manila galleon|galleons]] plying between Manila and [[Acapulco, Mexico]], a royal port was established in Palapag where the richly laden [[Manila Galleons]] were protected from unfavorable winds and troubled seas.

In the early years of the 16th century, shipbuilders were drafted from Palapag to the [[Cavite]] shipyards for the construction of galleons and vessels for the conservation of defense of the island. It was also at this time that these recruits ignited the [[Sumoroy insurrection]], which signaled a general uprising against Spain in the [[Visayas]] and [[Mindanao]]. The insurrection simultaneously flared northward to [[Albay]] and southward to the northern coasts of Mindanao and then [[Cebu]]. It took over a year before the Spaniards were able to subdue the rebellion.

Samar and [[Leyte (province)|Leyte]] were separated from Cebu in 1735. They were split in 1747 but was reversed in 1762 with the approval of the [[King of Spain]], following complaints from the [[Jesuits]]. The province of [[Samar (historical province)|Samar]] was later established as a distinct province in 1768 after it got separated from the province of [[Leyte (province)|Leyte]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://samar.lgu-ph.com/history.htm|title=Samar History and Information|website=lgu-ph.com|accessdate=October 15, 2024}}</ref>  In 1777, Samar and Leyte split for the last time when it was approved in [[Madrid]] in 1786 and had been effective in 1799.

===American invasion era===
Later in 1898, when the Americans landed on the beach of [[Catarman, Northern Samar|Catarman]], they organized a revolutionary army led by General [[Vicente Lukban]] who fought the invaders armed with cannons and rifles with only [[Bolo knife|bolo]]s and ''paltik''s. Although defeated, they, however, continued to harass the Americans through [[guerrilla]] warfare.

===Japanese occupation era===
During [[Pacific War|World War II]], the people of Northern Samar organized a platoon of volunteers supported by voluntary contributions. The contingent became a part of the [[Philippine National Guard]] in Manila. The province also helped the government by purchasing a considerable amount of bonds floated to finance the [[National Commission for Independence]], then organized by [[Manuel L. Quezon]] after a coalition of the [[Nacionalista Party|Nacionalista]] and Democrata parties were formed.

===Philippine independence===
Samar Congressmen Eladio T. Balite ([[Samar's 1st congressional district|1st district]]), Fernando R. Veloso ([[Samar's 2nd congressional district|2nd district]]), and Felipe J. Abrigo ([[Samar's 3rd congressional district|3rd district]]), authored ''[[Republic Act]] No. 4221'' which was approved by [[Congress of the Philippines|Congress]] in 1963. The law, ratified in a [[1965 Samar division plebiscite|plebiscite]] on June 19, 1965, divided Samar into three: Northern Samar, [[Eastern Samar]] and (Western) [[Samar (province)|Samar]].<ref name="ChanRobles-RA4221">{{cite web|title=Republic Act No. 4221 - An Act Creating the Provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Western Samar|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno4221.html|website=Chan Robles Virtual Law Library|access-date=April 16, 2016|date=June 19, 1965}}</ref> The first provincial officials of Northern Samar, aside from the lone district congressman, were elected on November 14, 1967, and on January 1, 1968, they officially assumed office.

==Geography==
[[File:US Navy 061104-N-5067K-130 The amphibious transport dock ship USS Juneau (LPD 10) passes the Capul Island Lighthouse as it transits through the San Bernardino Straits.jpg|thumb|left|[[Capul Island]]]]
Northern Samar covers a total area of {{convert|3,692.93|km2|sp=us}}{{PSGC detail|nscb}} occupying the northern section of Samar Island in the [[Eastern Visayas]] region. The province is bounded by north by the [[San Bernardino Strait]], on the east by the [[Pacific Ocean]], on the west by the [[Samar Sea]], on the southwest by [[Samar (province)|Samar]] and on the southeast by [[Eastern Samar]]. It ranks thirty-seventh (37th) in size among the 80 provinces of the Philippines and accounts for practically 1.2 percent of the total land area of the country. About 52 percent of the total land area is covered by forest, while 42 percent is classified as alienable and disposable.

The province is composed largely of low and extremely rugged hills and small lowland areas. It also has small and discontinuous areas along the coasts and its rivers are usually accompanied by [[alluvial plain]]s and valleys. The province is endowed with relatively rich and fertile soil that most crops can grow on it.

===Topography===
Northern Samar has a very rugged terrain with restricted pocket plains and valleys. River valleys are low-lying and are often interrupted by hills, while the remaining portion is rolling, hilly, and mountainous. The interior of the mainland consists of highly dissected hills and mountain peaks. Low-lying hills are found between the coastal plains of Palapag, the river valley of Gamay, and Catubig Valley. There are lagoons and lakes (Cinco Forest), and falls near Catubig named [[Pinipisikan]] (citation tourism) too.

===Climate===
Northern Samar falls under the intermediate type climate, which has no distinct dry and wet seasons. The rainiest months are October to January, while the driest is the month of May.

===Administrative divisions===
[[File:Ph fil northern samar.png|thumb|Political divisions]]
Northern Samar comprises 24 [[municipalities]] with 569 registered barangays. The province is divided into two [[Legislative districts of Northern Samar|legislative districts]]. The first district covers all municipalities located west of [[Mondragon, Northern Samar|Mondragon]] (including Mondragon itself), with the rest comprising the second district.

{{Color box|#CCFFCC|†|border=darkgray}} {{font|Provincial capital|size=90%}}
{{col-begin|width=auto}}
{{col-break}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:auto;table-layout:fixed;text-align:right;background-color:#FDFDFD;font-size:90%;border-collapse:collapse;"
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Municipality
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | [[Legislative districts of Northern Samar|District]]{{PSGC detail|nscb}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" colspan=3 | Population
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | {{PSGC rubric}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Area{{PSGC detail|nscb}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Density
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Barangay|Total number of barangays}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | [[Coordinates]]{{ref label|Coord|A|none}}
|-
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" colspan=2 |
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden hidden solid solid;" colspan=2 | {{small|(2020)}}{{PH census|2020|08}}
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden solid solid hidden;" | {{small|(2015)}}{{PH census|2015|08}}
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden hidden solid solid;" | km<sup>2</sup>
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden solid solid hidden;" class="unsortable" | {{nowrap|sq mi}}
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden hidden solid solid;" | /km<sup>2</sup>
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden solid solid hidden;" class="unsortable" | {{nowrap|/sq mi}}
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Allen, Northern Samar|Allen]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|25,228|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 25,469
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|25,228|2015.3315|25,469}}
| {{convert|47.60|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|25,228/47.60|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 20
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5011|N|124.2827|E|name=Allen|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Biri, Northern Samar|Biri]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|11,274|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 11,767
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|11,274|2015.3315|11,767}}
| {{convert|24.62|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|11,274/24.62|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 8
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.6816|N|124.3619|E|name=Biri|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Bobon, Northern Samar|Bobon]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|25,964|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 23,668
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|25,964|2015.3315|23,668}}
| {{convert|130.00|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|25,964/130.00|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 18
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5257|N|124.5641|E|name=Bobon|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Capul, Northern Samar|Capul]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|12,323|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 12,679
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|12,323|2015.3315|12,679}}
| {{convert|35.56|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|12,323/35.56|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 12
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.4231|N|124.1821|E|name=Capul|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-style="background-color:#CCFFCC;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:#CCFFCC;border-right:0;" | [[Catarman, Northern Samar|Catarman]]
| style="text-align:right;border-left:0;" | †
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|97,879|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 94,037
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|97,879|2015.3315|94,037}}
| {{convert|464.43|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|97,879/464.43|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 55
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.4996|N|124.6365|E|name=Catarman|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Catubig, Northern Samar|Catubig]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|32,174|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 33,025
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|32,174|2015.3315|33,025}}
| {{convert|214.99|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|32,174/214.99|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 47
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.4097|N|125.0530|E|name=Catubig|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Gamay, Northern Samar|Gamay]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|23,367|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 23,511
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|23,367|2015.3315|23,511}}
| {{convert|115.10|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|23,367/115.10|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 26
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.3867|N|125.3015|E|name=Gamay|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Laoang, Northern Samar|Laoang]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|60,607|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 61,359
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|60,607|2015.3315|61,359}}
| {{convert|246.94|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|60,607/246.94|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 56
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5685|N|125.0153|E|name=Laoang|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Lapinig, Northern Samar|Lapinig]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|11,844|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 13,020
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|11,844|2015.3315|13,020}}
| {{convert|57.30|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|11,844/57.30|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 15
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.3168|N|125.3023|E|name=Lapinig|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Las Navas, Northern Samar|Las Navas]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|36,621|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 37,947
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|36,621|2015.3315|37,947}}
| {{convert|282.61|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|36,621/282.61|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 53
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.3391|N|125.0312|E|name=Las Navas|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Lavezares, Northern Samar|Lavezares]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|29,390|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 28,770
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|29,390|2015.3315|28,770}}
| {{convert|119.50|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|29,390/119.50|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 26
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5349|N|124.3302|E|name=Lavezares|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Lope de Vega, Northern Samar|Lope de Vega]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|14,690|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 14,687
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|14,690|2015.3315|14,687}}
| {{convert|280.00|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|14,690/280.00|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 22
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.3000|N|124.6251|E|name=Lope de Vega|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Mapanas, Northern Samar|Mapanas]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|14,234|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 14,025
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|14,234|2015.3315|14,025}}
| {{convert|117.85|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|14,234/117.85|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 13
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.4752|N|125.2554|E|name=Mapanas|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Mondragon, Northern Samar|Mondragon]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|41,415|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 38,726
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|41,415|2015.3315|38,726}}
| {{convert|288.90|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|41,415/288.90|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 24
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5161|N|124.7526|E|name=Mondragon|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Palapag, Northern Samar|Palapag]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|34,034|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 34,286
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|34,034|2015.3315|34,286}}
| {{convert|179.60|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|34,034/179.60|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 32
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5460|N|125.1122|E|name=Palapag|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Pambujan, Northern Samar|Pambujan]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|35,532|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 33,062
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|35,532|2015.3315|33,062}}
| {{convert|163.90|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|35,532/163.90|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 26
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5649|N|124.9282|E|name=Pambujan|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Rosario, Northern Samar|Rosario]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|10,949|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 10,520
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|10,949|2015.3315|10,520}}
| {{convert|31.60|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|10,949/31.60|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 11
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5219|N|124.4250|E|name=Rosario|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[San Antonio, Northern Samar|San Antonio]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|8,882|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 9,058
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|8,882|2015.3315|9,058}}
| {{convert|27.00|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|8,882/27.00|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 10
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.4130|N|124.2782|E|name=San Antonio|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[San Isidro, Northern Samar|San Isidro]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|27,867|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 26,650
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|27,867|2015.3315|26,650}}
| {{convert|255.90|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|27,867/255.90|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 14
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.3857|N|124.3295|E|name=San Isidro|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[San Jose, Northern Samar|San Jose]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|17,641|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 17,561
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|17,641|2015.3315|17,561}}
| {{convert|29.85|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|17,641/29.85|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 16
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5301|N|124.4878|E|name=San Jose|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[San Roque, Northern Samar|San Roque]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|29,882|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 30,580
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|29,882|2015.3315|30,580}}
| {{convert|152.98|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|29,882/152.98|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 16
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.5371|N|124.8740|E|name=San Roque|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[San Vicente, Northern Samar|San Vicente]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|6,928|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 7,856
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|6,928|2015.3315|7,856}}
| {{convert|15.80|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|6,928/15.80|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 7
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.2715|N|124.0991|E|name=San Vicente|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar|Silvino Lobos]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2nd
| {{percent and number|15,100|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 15,299
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|15,100|2015.3315|15,299}}
| {{convert|224.20|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|15,100/224.20|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 26
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.3252|N|124.8458|E|name=Silvino Lobos|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:initial;" colspan=2 | [[Victoria, Northern Samar|Victoria]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 1st
| {{percent and number|15,361|639,186|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 14,817
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|15,361|2015.3315|14,817}}
| {{convert|186.70|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|15,361/186.70|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 16
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|12.4472|N|124.3148|E|name=Victoria|region:PH-NSA_type:city|format=dms}}
|-class="sortbottom"
! scope="row" colspan=4 style="text-align:left;" | Total
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 639,186
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 632,379
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|639,186|2015.3315|632,379}}
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 3,692.93
! scope="col" | {{convert|3,692.93|km2|disp=number|2}}
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{sigfig|639,186/3,692.93|2}}
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|{{sigfig|639,186/3,692.93|2}}|PD/km2|disp=number}}
! scope="col" | 569
! scope="col" style="font-style:italic;" | {{small|(see [[#External links|GeoGroup box]])}}
|-class="sortbottom" style="background-color:#F2F2F2;border-top:double grey;line-height:1.3em;"
| colspan="13" |
{{Ordered list
| list_style_type=upper-alpha
| {{note label|Coord|A|none}}Coordinates mark the [[town center]], and are sortable by [[latitude]].
}}
|}
{{col-end}}

==Demographics==
{{Philippine Census
| align= left
| title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}}
| 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}}
| 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}}
| 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}}
| 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}}
| 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}}
| 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}}
| 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}}
| 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}}
| 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}}
| 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}}
| 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}}
| 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}}
| 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}}
| 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}}
| 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}}
| 2025 = 
| 2030 = 
| footnote = Source: Philippine Statistics Authority{{PH census|2015|08}}{{PH census|2010|08}}{{PH census|2010}}
}}

The population of Northern Samar in the 2020 census was 639,186 people,{{PH census|current|08}} with a density of {{convert|{{sigfig|639,186/3,692.93|2}}|PD/km2|disp=or|sp=us}}.

The people of Northern Samar were previously called ''Ibabaonon''. They are predominantly Waray-Waray or [[Waray people|Waray]], the people of Eastern Visayas or Samar-Leyte region. To distinguish themselves from the Westehanon (people from Samar) and Estehanon (from Eastern Samar) when Samar Island was split into three provinces in 1965, and the Leyteños (the people from the Leyte Island), they now call themselves as ''Ninorte Samarenyo'' or ''Nortehanon''. They are primarily speaking in [[Waray-Waray language|Waray-Waray]] which is the main [[lingua franca]] of the province.

[[Bicolano people|Bicolano]] and [[Masbateño people|Masbateño]] inhabitants coming from respective neighboring provinces of [[Sorsogon]] and [[Masbate]] are also common at Northern Samar.

===Languages===
{{bar box
| title    = Languages Spoken (2000)<ref>[https://www.census.gov.ph/old/data/pressrelease/2002/pr0267tx.html Table 4. Household Population by Ethnicity and Sex: Northern Samar, 2000]</ref>
| titlebar = #f99
| left1    = Language
| right1   = Speakers
| float    = right
| bars     = 
{{bar pixel|[[Waray-Waray language|Waray]]|Gold|92.08||632,379}}
{{bar pixel|[[Cebuano language|Cebuano]]|Orange|2.89||14,436}}
{{bar pixel|[[Abaknon language|Abaknon]]|Indigo|2.13||10,668}}
{{bar pixel|[[Visayan languages|Binisaya]]|RoyalBlue|1.78||8,885}}
{{bar pixel|[[Tagalog language|Tagalog]]|Red|0.15||746}}
{{bar pixel|Others|Green|0.66||3,306}}
{{bar pixel|Not Reported|Brown|0.31||1,571}}
}}

The majority of the people in the province speak the Ninorte Samarnon variation of [[Waray-Waray language|Waray-Waray]]. About 4.5 percent of the population, especially in the island towns, speak [[Cebuano language|Cebuano]], particularly in the island town of [[San Antonio, Northern Samar|San Antonio]]. [[Inabaknon]], a unique language said to be one of the most preserved languages to date, is the native tongue of the populace in the island town of [[Capul, Northern Samar|Capul]].

[[Waray-Waray language|Ninorte Samarnon]] usually is further subclassified into [[Balicuatro]], Central and [[Pacific]] speakers.

[[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] and [[English language|English]] are also widely used and understood in Northern Samar.

===Religion===
{{main|Religion in the Philippines}}

====Catholicism====
The communities of this province are predominantly [[Roman Catholicism in the Philippines|Catholic]] (80%).{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

====Others====
Other religious groups are [[Members Church of God International|Members Church of God International (MCGI)]], [[Iglesia ni Cristo]], [[Philippine Independent Church]] (Iglesia Filipina Independiente), [[Seventh-day Adventist]]s, [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] and other [[Christianity in the Philippines|Christian]] sects. A small number of population are [[Muslim]].

===Socio-demographic situation===
Northern Samar is classified as a second class province, according to the [[Philippine Statistics Authority]], the data gathered from the ''[[Department of Finance (Philippines)|Department of Finance]] Department Order No.23-08'' (Effective July 29, 2008).{{PSGC detail|nscb}}

Catarman is the capital town of the province where most political and economic activities take place. It is the seat of administration and the center of trade and commerce as well as industry.

The province is considered a very rural area with 65% of its people residing in the countryside.

==Economy==
{{PH poverty incidence}}

==Tourism==
Northern Samar has several tourism potentials that remain undiscovered by tourists. Some of these include old churches, waterfalls, rivers, caves, virgin forests, and beaches.

Among the last frontiers in the country, its rugged coastline of limestone cliffs along the Pacific Ocean is a historical landmark. During the [[History of the Philippines (1521–1898)|Spanish colonial era]], Samar island was the first Philippine landfall seen by the [[Manila galleon]]s as they approached the end of their long voyage from [[Acapulco]].

Entering the waters of the Philippine archipelago, the galleons called at the fortified island of Capul off Samar, offered thanks for a safe crossing at the Jesuit church, and then negotiated the rough waters of the narrow San Bernardino Strait toward Manila, their final destination.

Capul also became the last stop on Philippine soil of the departing galleons before the long, often treacherous trans-Pacific voyage to Acapulco in Mexico.

==Government==
[[File:Norhern Samar Provincial Capitol side view (Capitol Road, Catarman, Northern Samar; 04-27-2023).jpg|thumb|Northern Samar Provincial Capitol]]

===Governor===
* Edwin C. Ongchuan ([[National Unity Party (Philippines)|NUP]])

===Vice Governor===
* Clarence E. Dato ([[National Unity Party (Philippines)|NUP]])

===Congressional districts===
* 1st district: Paul R. Daza ([[National Unity Party (Philippines)|NUP]])
* 2nd district: Harris M. Ongchuan ([[National Unity Party (Philippines)|NUP]])

===List of former governors===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Irene Balite (1967–1971)
* Edilberto A. del Valle (1971–1980)
* Reynaldo A. del Valle (1980–1986)
* Justiniano M. Singzon (1986–1988)
* Harlin  Abayon (1988–1998)
* Madeleine M. Ong (1998–2001)
* Raul A. Daza (2001–2010)
* Paul R. Daza (2010–2013)
* Jose L. Ong, Jr. (2013–2019)
{{div col end}}

===Official provincial seal===
[[File:Ph seal northern samar.png|frameless|upright=0.6|left|alt=The Official Seal of Northern Samar]]
The Coat of Arms of Samar represents the political, geographical description, historical, economic, and social representation and allegorical ideas of the province. The letters ''N'' and ''S'' represent Northern Samar. The ''map of Northern Samar'' represents the geography and 24 municipalities of the province, including the five island towns. The ''galleon'' represents the Spanish conquistadors that reached the land of the Ibabao to preach the gospel of Christianity, spread the Creed of Roman Catholicism and introduce civil governance thru the Royal Port of Palapag in 1640. ''Mount Bubuya'' (Palapag Mesa) represents the highest mountain range in [[Palapag, Northern Samar|Palapag]], where [[Agustin Sumuroy]] and his men retreated to and encamped after killing Fr. Miguel Balberan, thus starting the Sumuroy Rebellion. The ''rice field'', ''abaca'', ''timber'', and ''coconut'' are all economic representations.

The following are the allegorical ideas of the province: ''Blue'', the color is symbolic of vast marine and aquatic resources, a source of livelihood for the fisher folks of the coastal towns. ''Tangerine'' represents the cheerfulness, high spirits, and optimism of the people of the province. ''Yellow'' represents golden harvest, and abundance of resources. ''White'' symbolizes transparency in governance. The ''torch'' is meant to illuminate the province and set it afire with quality education, a primary thrust of the provincial government. ''Rope'' ties the emblems together in a circular shape, it represents equality in rights and justice, and unity for peace and development.

==Notable people==
[[File:Samuel Martires.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires]]
* [[Agustín Sumuroy|Agustin Sumuroy]] (better known as Juan Sumuroy), a Filipino hero from [[Palapag, Northern Samar]] and [[Waray people|Waray]] leader of the [[Philippine revolts against Spain#Sumuroy Revolt (1649–1650)|Sumuroy Rebellion]], a rebellion of native [[Philippines|Filipinos]] against [[History of the Philippines (1521–1898)|colonial Spanish]] forces that occurred in the eastern [[Visayas]] in 1649–1650.
* [[Samuel Martires]], a Filipino lawyer, Associate Justice of [[Sandiganbayan]] from 2005 to 2017, Associate Justice of the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] and incumbent [[Ombudsman of the Philippines]], is from [[Palapag, Northern Samar]].
* [[Ricky Lo]], Entertainment Editor and Columnist (Funfare, The Philippine Star), TV Host (The Buzz, Star Talk) is from Las Navas, Northern Samar.
* [[Angel Aquino]], Filipino fashion model, TV host, and FAMAS and Gawad Urian Award-nominated film and TV actress
* [[Budoy Marabiles|Errol "Budoy" Marabiles]], Filipino reggae musician, songwriter and TV host; vocalist of the reggae band [[Junior Kilat]]
* [[Pooh (comedian)|Pooh]], Filipino actor, comedian, impersonator, singer, and TV host.
* [[Aloy Adlawan]], multi-awarded Filipino filmmaker, writer, producer, director, and composer

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{GeoGroup}}
{{wikivoyage}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{OSM relation|1506364}}
* [https://sites.google.com/site/sangguniansecretariat/home Official Webpage of the Office of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Northern Samar]
* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071422/http://www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpmsv2/cmshome/index.php?pageID=23&frmIdDcfCode=7&fLguType=P&frmIdRegion=11&frmIdProvince=&frmIdLgu=63 Local Governance Performance Management System]

{{Geographic location
 | Centre    = Northern Samar
 | North     = ''[[Philippine Sea]]''
 | East      = ''[[Philippine Sea]]''
 | Southeast = [[Eastern Samar]]
 | South     = [[Samar (province)|Samar]]
 | West      = [[Masbate]]/''[[Samar Sea]]''
 | Northwest = [[Sorsogon]]/''[[San Bernardino Strait]]''
}}

{{Northern Samar|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Articles related to Northern Samar
|list1 =
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}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Northern Samar| ]]
[[Category:1965 establishments in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Provinces of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Provinces of Eastern Visayas]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1965]]
[[Category:Samar]]