Pampanga is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. Its capital is San Fernando City, Pampanga. Pampanga is bordered by the provinces of Bataan and Zambales to the west, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija to the north, and Bulacan to the southeast. Pampanga also lies on the northern shore of Manila Bay. The name "La Pampanga" was given by the Spaniards who found the early natives living near the river banks. The word "Pangpang" means river bank. Its creation in 1571 makes it the oldest among the seven provinces of Central Luzon. The Province of Pampanga enjoys the distinction of being known as the culinary heart of the Philippines.
Pampanga is served by the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, which is located at Clark Field in Angeles City, some 16 kilometers north of the provincial capital.