Rishiri Island

Rishiri

Native name: 利尻島, Rishiri-tō
Rishiri
Geography
Archipelago	Japanese archipelago
Area	183 km2 (71 sq mi)
Length	19 km (11.8 mi)
Width	14 km (8.7 mi)
Coastline	63 km (39.1 mi)
Highest elevation	1,721 m (5,646 ft)
Highest point	Mount Rishiri
Administration
Japan
Prefectures	Hokkaidō
Subprefectures	Sōya
District	Rishiri
Town	Rishiri
Rishirifuji
Demographics
Population	5102 (2013)
Pop. density	30.81 /km2 (79.8 /sq mi)
Ethnic groups	Ainu, Japanese

Rishiri Island (利尻島, Rishiri-tō^?) is an island in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan. Administratively the island is part of Hokkaido Prefecture, and is divided between two towns, Rishiri and Rishirifuji. The island is formed by the cone-shaped extinct volcanic peak of Mount Rishiri. Along with Rebun Island and the coastal area of the Sarobetsu Plain, Rishiri forms the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. The main industries of Rishiri are tourism and fishing. The island is about 63 kilometres (39 mi) in circumference and covers 183 square kilometres (71 sq mi). The island has a population of 5,102 residents.

Rishiri derives its name from the Ainu language, and means "high island", or "island with a high peak", a reference to the altitude of Mount Rishiri above sea level.

Rishiri Island is located roughly 20 kilometres (12 mi) west of Hokkaido; Rebun Island is a further 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the northwest. Rishiri is roughly circular with a coastline of 63 kilometres (39 mi). The island spans 19 kilometres (12 mi) from north to south and 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from east to west. Mount Rishiri rises to an altitude of 1,721 metres (5,646 ft) above the island. Mount Rishiri provides a good source of fresh water; numerous small ponds and springs are located at the foot of the mountain.

The residents of Rishiri Island live on the coastal areas of the island, which are connected by bus service which circumnavigates the island.

...
Wikipedia