Palayan

Palayan, officially the City of Palayan (Tagalog: Lungsod ng Palayan, Ilocano: Siudad ti Palayan), is a component city and capital of the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 47,883 people, making it the least populated city in the Philippines.

Palayan was created on June 19, 1965, by the Congress of the Philippines and is one of seven planned cities in the Philippines (the other six being Manila, Baguio, Quezon City, Trece Martires, Koronadal and the Island Garden City of Samal).

The new provincial capitol, convention center, and sports center of Nueva Ecija are located in the city.

Palayan City is 14 kilometers (8.7 mi) from Cabanatuan, 130 kilometers (81 mi) from Manila, and 102 kilometers (63 mi) from Baler.