LEYTE @ A GLANCE Leyte is one of the country's most historic provinces. It is the site of uprising against the Spaniards and the famous landing of the U.S. Forces during World War II. This historic consciousness is reflected in Leyte's seal with stars symbolizing the towns of the province and an alphabet on cross argent representing the ancient letter "L". The white cross indicates the second phase of Leyte's development, when Magellan passed through en route Cebu, while the upper portion commemorates the landing of General Douglas MacArthur through a perspective of the National Freedom Park. The capital City of Tacloban is the most important seaport on the eastern coast, while Ormoc City and Baybay City are the outlets on the western coast.   Land Area 5,712.80 square kilometers or   571,280 hectares Population 1.72 million (2007 census) Average Annual Growth Rate 1.13% Local Languages Lineyte-Samarnon (Waray-waray) and Cebuano Other Major Languages English, Chinese and Filipino Political Subdivisions        -   Congressional  Districts 5      -   Cities 3      -   Municipalities 40      -   Barangays 1,641 Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla Provincial Capital Tacloban City Literacy Rate 91.1% Total Labor Force 1.022 million      -  Employment Rate 87.8%      -  Unemployment Rate 8.2%      -  Underemployment Rate 11.1% Income Derived in        -  Trade & Services 53.44%      -  Agriculture & Fisheries 19.84%      -  Industry 11.32% Climate There are two types of climate in the province.  The eastern part has Type II climate characterized by a very pronounced rainfall from November to January.  The western portion has Type IV climate with a rainfall that is more or less distributed throughout the year.   Peace and Order Peaceful    and   Safe      Environment  for  Investment.     With a very low crime rate and the absence of armed conflicts, Leyte is among the safest and peaceful provinces in the country. Our police force was awarded  the "Best Police Provincial Office" and the “Best Regional  Law  Enforcement Coordinating Committee” for two consecutive years.