Marawi City is the capital and the largest city of the province of Lanao del Sur on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 201,785.
The city is also called the Summer Capital of the South because of its higher elevation and cooler climate – a nickname it shares with Malaybalay, which legally holds the title. Due to its high elevation, with the elevation along Lake Lanao at around 2,300 feet (700 m), Marawi's weather is cool (in tropical terms) and pleasant, distinguished by an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year.
Marawi City has a total land area of 8,755 hectares (21,630 acres). It is located on the shores of Lake Lanao and straddles the area where the Agus River starts. It is bounded to the north by the municipalities of Kapai and Saguiaran; to the south by Lake Lanao; to the east by the municipalities of Bubong andDitsaan-Ramain; and to the west by the municipalities of Marantao and Saguiaran.
Marawi City is predominantly Muslim city which accounts for 99.6% of the population. Sharia criminal law exists but without stoning, amputations, flagellations or other Islamic punishments as they are against the law of the Philippines. The distribution of alcoholic products and gambling is forbidden and women must cover their heads, though non-Muslims are exempted from this rule. Other than sharia law in personal matters, these laws are not applicable elsewhere in Lanao del Sur.
The feeling of the unique natural setting of the Maranaos in Marawi City is manifested by the presence of many large Torogans, an antique royal high-roofed houses with carvings designed by the Meranau, and Amai Sambitory old Buildings in Barrio Naga in front of Tuaka Laput, Marawi City.
Marawi is home to the main campus of Mindanao State University, the biggest state university in Mindanao and next to University of the Philippines.
