Kuril Islands: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 11, 2026

News •

Highly active Russian volcano plays peek-a-boo with an astronaut — Earth from space • Nov. 10, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (Live Science)

Japan-Russia ties hit new low amid Moscow’s geostrategic shift • Oct. 23, 2026, 8:45 AM ET (Straits Times)

Russia detains Japanese journalist, alleging espionage • Oct. 14, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (Washington Post)

Photos

Map of eastern Asia and surrounding regions with the Kuril Islands labeled in orange off the eastern coast of Russia, between Russia and Japan. The map highlights the location of the Kuril Islands in the northwest Pacific Ocean. An inset in the upper right shows a zoomed-out view of the highlighted area within the larger continent.

Aerial view of Kingston, Jamaica, showing a mix of mid-rise buildings, houses, and abundant green trees throughout the city.

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Topics

Samoa Galapagos Islands Spratly Islands Aleutian Islands Andaman Islands Pacific Islands Moluccas Ryukyu Islands Mariana Islands Marquesas Islands

Island, New Caledonia.

Islands and Archipelagos