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NegrosNegros is an island of the Philippines located in the Visayas. It is the 4th largest island in the country, with a land area of 12,706 square km (4,905 square mi.). People on the island are called Negrense. Politically and culturally, Negros is divided into two provinces: Negros Oriental in the Central Visayas region, and Negros Occidental, part of the Western Visayas region. This division of the island, which roughly follows the mountain range at the center of the island, corresponds to the two ethnoliguistic groups on this part of the country. The western part (Occidental) is where the Ilonggo- or Hiligaynon-speaking Negrense are located and the eastern portion (Oriental) is home to the Cebuano-speaking population. The chief cities on the island are Bacolod City in Negros Occidental and Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental. Negros is noted for being the country's prime producer of sugar. Sugar cane plantations abound in the agricultural areas of the island. Canlaon Volcano, in the northern part of the island is a semi-active volcano and overlooks Bacolod City. History Negros Island was originally called "Buglas". Long before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the island was inhabited by Negritos, Malayans and Chinese. Their form of religion was animistic performed by the women priestess called Babaylanes. Barter trading between the Chinese and other Asian traders and the natives flourished even before the 12th century. During the era of Spanish colonization in the Philippines, the island's name was changed to "Negros" because of the dark-skinned people living there. Negros was administered from Cebu until 1734, when it was made a military district of its own. The island of Negros was divided into the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental on January 1, 1890. Negros del Norte was created from Negros Occidental on January 3, 1986. Its creation was declared unconstitutional on July 11, 1986, and was abolished on August 18, 1986. External links
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