Kuril Islands - Location and Geography

Location
The Kuril Islands are a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean, stretching from the northernmost island of Hokkaido, Japan, to the southernmost tip of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.

Geography
The Kuril Islands consist of 56 islands and islets, which are divided into two main groups: the Lesser Kurils and the Greater Kurils. The islands are located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a region known for its volcanic activity. As a result, the islands are home to numerous active and dormant volcanoes.

The Kuril Islands are known for their rugged terrain and harsh climate, which includes long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The islands are also home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, sea lions, and various species of birds and fish.

Dispute over Kuril Islands

While the Kuril Islands are currently under Russian control, their ownership has been disputed by Japan for several decades. The dispute dates back to the end of World War II, when the Soviet Union occupied the islands and expelled the Japanese residents.

Japan claims sovereignty over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, which it refers to as the Northern Territories. The dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty to officially end World War II.

In recent years, there have been attempts to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels, but so far, no agreement has been reached.