Davao (dävou') , city (1990 pop. 849,947), Davao del Sur prov., SE Mindanao, the Philippines, at the mouth of the Davao River on Davao Gulf. The chief commercial center and major port of Mindanao, Davao experienced much industrial growth in the 1960s, and its population almost tripled. The city serves a prosperous region that produces hemp, coffee, cacao, and timber, and it has an important wood products industry. Davao has a land area of 854 sq mi (2,211 sq km), making it one of the largest cities in the world. The volcanic Mt. Apo, the highest (9,690 ft/2,954 m) peak in the islands, is within its boundaries.

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