One of the four provinces of the ARMM region in Northern Mindanao is Lanao del Sur. It is surrounded by the provinces of Lanao del Norte on the north, Bukidnon on the east, Illana Bay on the west and Cotabato and Maguindanao on the south. 

Lanao's terrene forms the western chunks of the extensive plateau of Northern Mindanao.  The narrow coastal plains and rolling hills close upon Illana Bay on the southwest and give way to the mountain scope with Cotabato along its boundary and the lowlands going east to the limits of Bukidnon.   

The word Lanao originated from the word ranao, which means "lake".  The province of Lanao encompass the basin of Lake Lanao where the Maranaos reside and are referred to as "people of the lake".  The Spanish discovered and settled in a community called Dansalan found at the lake's northern end.  It has become a municipality in 1907 and a city in 1940.  Thus in 1956, the name of the town was change to Marawi, coming from the word "ravi", pointing to the reclining lilies in the Agus River.  At the moment Marawi is the provincial capital.

Maranaos dominated most of Lanao's population.  Being one of the last group to be Islamized, Maranao hold firmly to the decree of their traditional law called maratabat, a status sensitive regulation that governs their social relations and sanctions that would preserve and cultivate their patronage.  

They are also one of the most artistic ethnic groups in the country.  They are well known for the superiority of their weaving and their metal and woodcrafts.  They have created one of the finest endemic architecture with their impressive Torogans.  The design and motifs of their okil is one of the most systematized in the country.   

Lanao's rich and fertile soil provides fruitful harvest for their agricultural industry.  Rice is their main crop followed by corn, coconut, abaca, bananas and durain.  Brass making and malong-weaving are some of their cottage industries. 

The province main attractions are mostly concentrated in Marawi City.  Lake Lanao is known to be the deepest lake in the country and is surrounded by lush countryside-farming villages impregnated with rice and cornfields. The lakeside towns are dominated by mosques. The Torongans which are an antique royal houses combined with Maranao's high-rooted carvings, are also situated in the area.   

The Moncado Colony in Candingilan is named in honor of Camino Moncado, a leader, organizer, writer and lecturer.  Moncado monuments and statues of wild animals can be found in the said colony.  Tugaya town, on the other hand, is reputed to produce the best brassware in the Philippines. 

Philippine Airlines has a regular flight going to Cagayan de Oro City. From there, several taxis for 4 to 6 passengers travels to Marawi.