The province is inhabited by indigenous citizens of Quechua descent.

[3] On 21 December 2005, eight Peruvian policemen were killed by Shining Path terrorists.

[4] The policemen were involved in the government's efforts of destroying coca crops.

On 19 November 2009, Peruvian policemen reported apprehending gang members suspected of killing people in Huanuco Province for their fat and selling the fat on the black market for use in cosmetics in Europe.

Three suspects confessed to killing 5 people and told the police that the fat was worth $60,000 a gallon.