Antique (Pronunciation: /ɑːnˈtiːkɛ/) or (/ɑːnˈtiːkɛ/) is a province of the Philippines located in the region of Western Visayas.

 Overview

Antique is a province located in Western Visayas. The province's capital, San Jose, is located in the western portion of Panay Island and borders Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo to the east while facing the Sulu Sea to the west.

History

Antique was one of the three "Sakups" or districts of Panay before Spanish colonizers arrived on the islands. The province was known at that time as "Hantik", which was the name of the large red ants found on the island. The Spanish chroniclers, however, were influenced by the French when they recorded the name as "Hantique", and later established the formal name "Antique" after removing the "h". Unlike the English term, "Antique", the province's name is pronounced "ahn-tee-keh."

People and Culture

Antiqueños are very hospitable people who would go out of their way to extend assistance to visitors and guests. These seafaring people share many characteristics with their Panay neighbors.

The Catholic Church holds a very strong influence on Antiqueños. For centuries, the churches were the physical vanguards of the people. Piña cloth is also produced in looms throughout the province. Wine manufactured from the sap of the coconut is a cottage industry. The rugged and varied land of Antique offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities. Diving and beach enthusiasts would have a great time discovering the unspoiled islets of Antique.

Tourism

The province is endowed with natural and historical attractions. It is blessed with beautiful beaches, caves, falls, churches. It has many tourist attractions that made it a major contibutor to the growing tourism in the Philippines, such as activities, points of interest, facilities, and services.

It is subdivided into 18 municipalities.

Municipality [i]		Population			±% p.a.	Area [10]		Density		Brgy.
		(2015)[3]		(2010)[12]		km2	sq mi	/km2	/sq mi
	Anini-y		3.6%	21,201	20,349	0.78%	66.17	25.55	320	830	23
	Barbaza		3.9%	22,704	21,775	0.80%	154.36	59.60	150	390	39
	Belison		2.3%	13,539	12,807	1.06%	19.78	7.64	680	1,800	11
	Bugasong		5.8%	33,642	32,264	0.80%	203.71	78.65	170	440	27
	Caluya		6.1%	35,496	30,046	3.22%	132.13	51.02	270	700	18
	Culasi		7.1%	41,228	39,086	1.02%	228.56	88.25	180	470	44
	Hamtic		8.3%	48,592	45,983	1.06%	113.03	43.64	430	1,100	47
	Laua-an		4.5%	26,072	25,211	0.64%	100.72	38.89	260	670	40
	Libertad		2.8%	16,429	15,669	0.91%	97.00	37.45	170	440	19
	Pandan		5.9%	34,333	32,494	1.05%	113.98	44.01	300	780	34
	Patnongon		6.4%	37,176	35,102	1.10%	167.92	64.83	220	570	36
	San Jose de Buenavista	†	10.7%	62,534	57,847	1.49%	48.56	18.75	1,300	3,400	28
	San Remigio		5.5%	31,935	30,446	0.91%	406.98	157.14	78	200	45
	Sebaste		3.1%	17,907	17,270	0.69%	111.64	43.10	160	410	10
	Sibalom		10.4%	60,306	56,058	1.40%	201.30	77.72	300	780	76
	Tibiao		4.6%	26,748	24,513	1.68%	177.42	68.50	150	390	21
	Tobias Fornier		5.7%	33,046	30,669	1.43%	112.12	43.29	290	750	50
	Valderrama		3.3%	19,124	18,442	0.69%	273.79	105.71	70	180	22
	Total			582,012	546,031	1.22%	2,729.17	1,053.74	210	540	59