Leyte

Leyte, island in the eastern Philippines, adjacent to Samar Island. The island is covered with thickly wooded mountains. In its fertile valleys, sugarcane, rice, coconuts, and hemp are grown. The island is divided into two provinces: Leyte Province, and Southern Leyte Province.

Leyte was first visited by Europeans in 1521 when the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed. During World War II (1939-1945), Leyte was the object of a major Allied offensive. Area, 7,200 sq km (2,800 sq mi); population (1990) 1,690,480.