Kurils

The Kuril Islands, known as the Kuril Islands in Russian and the Chishima Islands in Japanese, is an archipelago stretching northeast from the Japanese island of Hokkaido to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. The islands form a volcanic arc and are geologically active, characterized by numerous volcanoes, hot springs, and frequent earthquakes. The archipelago is divided into two main island chains: the Greater Kurils and the Lesser Kurils.

Historically, the islands have been inhabited by indigenous Ainu people for centuries. Russian and Japanese exploration and settlement began in the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to periods of disputed sovereignty. Various treaties, including the Treaty of Shimoda in 1855 and the Treaty of Saint Petersburg in 1875, defined the borders, with Japan gaining control of the entire archipelago. However, following World War II, the Soviet Union occupied and subsequently annexed the islands, a claim that Russia continues to uphold. Japan disputes the ownership of the four southernmost islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia.

The islands are rich in natural resources, including fisheries and potential mineral deposits. The disputed status of the islands continues to be a significant point of contention in Russia-Japan relations, impacting diplomatic ties and economic cooperation. Despite the territorial dispute, the islands are administered by Russia and are sparsely populated, with most residents engaged in fishing and military-related activities.