Iloilo City, its capital, is the center of the Iloilo–Guimaras metropolitan area or Metro Iloilo–Guimaras, and is geographically located in the province and grouped under it by the Philippine Statistics Authority, but remains politically independent from the provincial government.

To this end, Iloilo contributed troops in the Castille War against the Sultanate of Brunei.In 1581, the encomienda in Ogtong was moved to La Villa Rica de Arevalo, because of frequent coastal raids by the Dutch privateers.

[12] Nevertheless, when the 4,000 Moros led by Sirungan and Salikala tried to attack Iloilo City they were repulsed with heavy losses in the town of Arevalo by a force of 1,000 Hiligaynon warriors and 70 Mexican arquebusiers under the command of Juan García de Sierra, the Spanish officer who died in the battle.

As a result, it received Chinese immigrants from the west (that worked for its trades) and Latinos from the ports of Mexico in the east (to man its military installations).

The province covers a total area of 5,000.83 square kilometres (1,930.83 sq mi)[21] occupying the central and eastern section of Panay island in the Western Visayas region.

Small islands east of its northernmost tip also dot the Visayan Sea - of these, Pan de Azucar and Sicogon are well-known.

If the highly urbanized city of Iloilo is included for statistical purposes, the province's total population is 2,509,525 people, with a density of 494/km2 (1,280/sq mi).

It serves as the economic center of the province and supports a wide range of industries and services, including real estate, accommodation, healthcare, education, retail, business, and IT/BPO sectors.

Metro Iloilo, which includes the neighboring municipalities of Pavia, Oton, Leganes, and Santa Barbara, also plays a significant role in the province's economy.

Oton contributes with its agricultural production and emerging retail sector, and will soon host the largest central business district (CBD) in Iloilo.

The northern part of Iloilo is notable for its robust fishing industry and expanding tourism sector, benefiting from its proximity to the Visayan Sea and natural attractions like beaches and marine reserves.

The central part of the province functions as an agri-industrial hub, producing a variety of agricultural products such as corn, rice, bananas, pineapples, and sugar.

The highland areas, including Bucari in Leon and Alimodian, are known for high-value crops like strawberries and mangoes, and offer tourism opportunities through inland resorts and trekking sites.

The sugar industry is a key economic driver in Passi City and nearby towns like Lambunao, Dueñas, San Enrique, and Bingawan.

In southern Iloilo, the economy is largely driven by tourism, with historical sites, colonial architecture, and coastal attractions in towns such as Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miagao, and San Joaquin playing a significant role in the local economy.The government of Iloilo was established in 1566 when the Spanish settled a colonial center in Ogtong (now Oton).

Historically, the governor, along with the alcalde-mayor and presidente municipal, held office at the Casa Real de Iloilo from 1869 until 2006, when the larger capitol building adjacent to it was completed.

However, even before the arrival of the Mexicans, Spaniards, and other Europeans, Iloilo had already established trade relations with ancient Indonesians, Malaysians and Vietnamese, Indian, Arab, Chinese, Korean and Japanese merchants.

Jaro Fiesta, held every February, is a religious and cultural celebration in honor of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), featuring processions, a grand fair, and traditional performances.

It is renowned for its distinctive and flavorful cuisine including La Paz Batchoy, a hearty noodle soup with pork innards, liver, and crunchy chicharon.

Iloilo is also known for its Biscocho, a type of toasted bread topped with butter and sugar, and Barquillos, thin rolled wafers that are delightfully crispy.

Seafood is abundant, and dishes like Grilled Talaba (oysters) and Kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar and spices) are local favorites.

Santa Barbara Church, known as the "Cradle of Independence" in Panay and the Visayas, was the site of General Martin Delgado's junta leading to the first Cry of Revolution against the Spaniards outside Luzon.

Bulabog Putian National Park, a protected rainforest area within San Enrique and Dingle, features diverse flora and fauna, and over 30 caves, making it a popular eco-tourism destination in the province.

The Islas de Gigantes, known for island-hopping adventures, is an island group off the shores of Carles renowned for its white sand beaches, clear waters, lagoons, and rock formations.

Cabugao Gamay is the most popular island in the archipelago, features two white sand beaches that forms like a sandbar connecting two islets.

The Port of Iloilo, considered the leader of trade and a commercial hub for Western Visayas is also one of the safest natural seaports in the Philippines.

2GO inter-island, overnight ferries serve longer routes, going to Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro City.

Direct domestic flights connect Iloilo to other major cities in the Philippines including Manila, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Puerto Princesa, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro.

Direct ferry routes and roll-on roll-off connections on the Philippines’ nautical highway are also available between Iloilo and all other major cities in the country.

It serves regularly scheduled direct domestic flights to Iloilo from major Philippine airlines including Manila, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Puerto Princesa, and Cagayan de Oro.