The Batan Islands is also known as Batanes Islands, a chain of 14 islands in the Philippines, about 190 miles (310 km) north of Luzon in the Luzon Strait.
Originated from the volcano, the islands are rugged and rocky but relatively flat and windswept. Only the four largest islands (Itbayat, Batan, Sabtang and Ibuhos) are inhabited. The frequency of destructive typhoons requires agricultural and architectural models. Root crops, especially sweet potatoes, are the main food crop, and the surplus supports a small livestock industry. Fishing is a complementary activity. The houses are built of stone and tile sheltered from valleys or trees.
The inhabitants are Catholic and speak Ivatan, a local dialect. The population increase since 1900 has been relatively slow, as many islanders migrated to Luzon. The city of Basco, located northwest of Batan Island, is the only national port; it is served by an aerodrome.
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