Geography of The Ryukyu Islands
Ryukyu Islands, a chain of islands, belonging to Japan, lying in the western Pacific Ocean between Taiwan and Kyushu Island, Japan. They extend about 650 miles (1,000 km) and have a land area of some 1,800 square miles (4,700 km2). The larger islands are volcanic and mountainous. Smaller islands are of coral formation and are relatively flat. The highest point is a 3,215-foot (980-m) volcano on Nakano Shima in the Amami Islands. In late summer and fall, typhoons are frequent. The people engage in farming, forestry, and fishing. The chief city is Naha, on Okinawa.
The Ryukyu Islands are a prefecture of Japan. They are ruled by an elected governor and an elected one-chamber legislature. Naha is the administrative center.
In ancient times the Ryukyus were an independent kingdom. The Chinese invaded the islands in the 7th century A.D. and began exacting tribute. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Ryukyuan merchants served as middlemen in a thriving commerce between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. In the 17th century, the Ryukyuans began paying tribute to the Japanese also. In the 1870's the Japanese Empire annexed the islands.
During World War II, the United States captured Okinawa and took control of the Ryukyus. An important military complex was built there. The peace treaty of 1951 recognized Japanese sovereignty claims over the islands but provided for continued administration by the United States.
In 1953 the Amami Islands, the northernmost group in the chain, were returned to Japan. In 1972 the remainder reverted to Japanese rule. The United States continued to maintain extensive military bases.
Population: 1,720,000.