Davao{dah-vow'} is a city on the southeast coast of Mindanao Island in the Philippines. It is situated on the Gulf of Davao at the mouth of the Davao River. The city has a population of 1.2 million (1995) and covers an area of 2,212 sq. km (854 sq. mile), one of the largest cities in area in the world. Towering above the city is Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 meters (9,692 feet). Davao is a busy port, exporting copra, maize, rice, and abaca (banana plant fiber used in rope making). Much of its land is agricultural, coconuts and rice being the predominating crops. The manufacturing of wood products is the major industry.

Davao City was cited as No. 18 in the top 40 best cities in Asia, according to an AsiaWeek survey (Dec. 17 issue). The city's accessibility, political stability and fine natural endowments have made the city the main commercial center for tourism, agriculture, commerce and trade as well as processing and manufacturing activities in the region.

Davao experiences a mild tropical climate with no pronounced dry or wet season. Average temperature ranges from 20 to 32 deg C (68 to 90 deg F). Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed, and the city is generally free from typhoons as it is outside the typhoon belt and is also shielded by mountainous borders.