- an island group in the SW Philippines, separating the Sulawesi Sea from the Sulu Sea. 1,086 sq. mi. (2,813 sq. km). Capital: Jolo.
- a chain of over 500 islands in the SW Philippines, separating the Sulu Sea from the Celebes Sea: formerly a sultanate, ceded to the Philippines in 1940. Capital: Jolo. Pop: 619 668 (2000). Area: 2686 sq km (1037 sq miles)
