Lantawan is a 4th class municipality in the province of Basilan.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 27,487 people in 5,205 households.

Lantawan as some old folks reminisced believed that it got its name from the word “LANTAW or LANTAO” meaning clear or panoramic view of the simple reasons that barangay Lantawan Proper is situated right on top of the gently hills overlooking the vast Sulu Sea and the surrounding areas.

Lantawan is politically subdivided into 35 barangays.

The place has a naturally mild climate.