Sulu Archipelago, group of volcanic and coral islands in the southwestern Philippines, between the Sulu and Celebes seas. The islands of the Sulu Archipelago comprise the Sulu and Tawitawi provinces. Extending in a northeastern-southwestern direction for 300 km (200 mi), the archipelago lies off the eastern coast of Borneo and the western tip of Mindanao Island. The archipelago has 900 islands; the major groups are Sibutu, Pangutaran, Samales, Tapiantana, and Tapul. The provincial capital and chief seaport is Jolo (population, 1990, 53,055), on Jolo Island. The vegetation is luxuriant, and tropical forests are on many of the islands. The principal crops, raised mainly for domestic consumption, are coconuts, fruit, and rice. Livestock raising and pearl and pearl-shell fishing are important occupations. Moros make up the majority of the population, and Islam is the chief religion. Area, 2,800 sq km (1,100 sq mi); population (1990) 698,175.
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