Caraga, Administrative region in eastern Mindanao, Philippines
Caraga is an administrative region in eastern Mindanao on the Philippines that spans five provinces and six cities, with Butuan serving as its administrative center. The territory borders the Philippine Sea to the east and contains long coastal areas as well as lowland plains along several rivers.
Before the arrival of Spanish colonial rulers, a domain existed here that was closely linked to Chinese traders and developed fine woodworking skills. This early principality built large wooden ships with which it conducted trade over long distances.
The indigenous communities of the area speak three main languages that connect different parts of their homeland and reflect old settlement patterns. This linguistic variety shapes daily life today and shows how different groups have lived together here for centuries.
Regular ferry connections run between the main coastal towns, while a road network links the larger settlements. Visitors should keep in mind that distances between places can be considerable and public transport is focused on main routes.
A large wetland in the interior of the territory provides habitat for rare waterbirds and is used by fishing families who live in floating huts. This marshland remains one of the largest of its kind in the country and attracts naturalists from different parts of the world.
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