Created in 1850 by Governor General Ronquillo de Penalosa, Pangasinan was the earliest political and administrative unit in the Philippines. It was officially conquered and colonized by D. Martin de Goiti in 1571. At that time, its territorial jurisdiction included the present province of Zambales and parts of La Union and Tarlac. Lingayen was designated and remained up to the present the provincial capital.

By middle of the 19th century, the northern towns of Agoo to Bacnotan were separated from Pangasinan and became parts of the province of La Union.

In 1975, its territorial boundaries were further diminished when Panique and other municipalities south of it were affixed to Tarlac.

At present, the province is bounded in the North by Lingayen Gulf, La Union and Benguet, in the Northeast by Nueva Vizcaya, in the East by Nueva Ecija, Tarlac in the South and Zambales and the China Sea in the West. It is approximately 170 kilometers North of Manila and 59 kilometers Southwest of Baguio City.

As of June 30, 2001, the province is composed of:

• 4 cities,
• 44 municipalities and
• 1,364 barangays.

The province's economy is mainly agricultural due to its vast fertile plains. More than 44 percent of its agricultural area is devoted to crop production. Aside from being one of the Philippine's rice granaries, Pangasinan is also a major producer of coconut, mango and eggplant.

As a coastal province, marine and inland fishing have become one of the major economic activities of the people.

Apart from agriculture and fishery, Pangasinan's economy also thrives in light industries. It is famous for exquisitely hand-carved furnitures, naturally-carved bamboo furnitures, rattan and the famous Fish Caviar (Bagoong), which has become the trademark of the province.

Pangasinan also boasts of its natural and scenic spots which have greatly contributed to the booming local tourism industry.

The province has two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. Average temperature is 27.6 degrees centigrade; humidity averages 87.3% and average monthly rainfall is 153.77 millimeters.

Sources: Pangasinan Socio-Economic Profile, 1995, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Pangasinan / Pangasinan, 1996, Department of Tourism

Provincial Statwatch