The province of Agusan del Sur, together Agusan del Norte, were formerly united by a single government before it was divided in 1967. As with its sister province, the name "agusan" is a Manobo term meaning where the water flows, referring to the Agusan River which spans both provinces.  
 
Agusan Del Sur is a long valley bordered by mountain ranges on the eastern and western sides. The Agusan River, which empties into the Butuan Bay, is its main waterway. It has twelve tributaries that are fed by streams and creeks. These twelve tributaries are the rivers of Adgawan, Cawayan, Gibong, Ihaon, Kasilayan, Libang, Maasam, Ojot, Pusilao, Simulao, and Umayam. The southern part of the province is filled with swamps, marshes, and lakes, with Talacogon Lake as the biggest lake. 
 
The province is blessed with very rich biodiversity. It boasts of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, branded as a Mystical Wetland in the northeastern part of Mindanao. At 126,000 hectares, it is the largest in Asia and is home to some of the world's endangered flora and fauna. The Manobo people also lives in this area on bamboo houses built on top of floating rafts.  The majestic Gethsemane Falls in Bayugan City provides a tranquil relief from the woes of daily living. 
 
Just like its sister province, Agusan Del Norte, the people of Agusan Del Sur share the same cultures and traditions of the Agusan Valley, some of which are religiosity and industriousness. They are also keen in preserving their centuries-old traditions, including celebrating festivals, such as Kaamulan every September 23, Naligayan every June 12-17, and their own version of Sinulog, known as Kahimunan, every the first Sunday of January. 
 
As what its epithet suggests, Agusan Del Sur is truly a land with a lot of opportunities. 
 
 
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The history behind the province of Agusan Del Sur is similar with that of Agusan Del Norte since the two used to be under one name and local government. During the pre-Hispanic era, Agusan was influenced by the Madjpahit Empire. In the 16th century, the Spaniards, alongside the Augustinian missionaries evangelizing the Agusal (Agusal or Agusan?) del Sur natives, colonized the province. During most of the Spanish rule, Agusan was a part of the Caraga province. In 1860, the province was placed under the government of Butuan, then a district province of Surigao. With the arrival of the Americans, the southern part of Agusan became a bustling province with the discovery of its potential in the lumber industry. 
 
In 1967, the Philippine government, by virtue of the republic Act 4979, divided the province of Agusan into Agusan Del Norte and Agusan Del Sur. The capital of Agusan Del Sur was set in the municipality of Prosperidad, with its seat of government established in Barangay Patin-ay. 
 
The people of Agusan Del Sur are predominantly descendants of the Visayan people. The immigrants and the inhabitants of Agusan intermarried and produced what is known to date as the Lumad people, who inhabit the areas in the Agusan valley. There are five ethnic groups presently living in the province - the Aetas, Bagobos, Mamanwas, Manobos, and the Higa-onons. 
 

Agusan Del Sur’s economy mainly revolves around agriculture and forestry. Among its harvested crops are rice, corn, banana, coconut, and other tropical fruits. There is also a subsisting poultry and livestock industry in Agusan Del Norte, as well as freshwater fisheries such as catfish, mudfish, and tilapia. 
 

 The province is landlocked and can be reached only by land transportation through the Davao-Butuan National Highway. Three minor roads also provide access for travelers coming from Tandag, Lianga, Barobo, and Bislig in Surigao del Sur. One road connects the southwestern part of the province and Asuncion, Davao del Norte. Although the Agusan River is a potential highway for travelers to the province, there is no existing ferry facilities regularly servicing passage from Butuan City or Davao del Norte through the river. 
 
The province is adequately linked to its neighboring provinces. Its municipalities are likewise interconnected with paved roads, except for La Paz and Loreto which are accessible through a motorized flat boat from the mini-ports of Bunawan and Talacogon. Most barangays are also connected to the main road arteries.