Claim: The Philippines is an archipelago.

Luzon -LRB- -LSB- luːˈzɒn -RSB- -LSB- luˈson -RSB- , is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines . it is ranked 15th largest in the world by land area . Located in the northern region of the archipelago , it is the economic and political center of the nation , being home to the country 's capital city , Manila , as well as Quezon City , the country 's most populous city . With a population of 53 million , it is the fourth most populous island in the world -LRB- after Java , Honshu , and Great Britain -RRB- , having about 53 % of the country 's total population .   Luzon may also refer to one of the three primary island groups in the country . As such , it includes the Luzon mainland , the Batanes and Babuyan groups of islands to the north , Polillo Islands to the east , and the outlying islands of Catanduanes , Marinduque , Masbate , Romblon , Mindoro , and Palawan , among others , to the south .