Yuri (island)
Yuri Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Kuril Islands archipelago. Administratively, it is part of the Sakhalin Oblast of Russia.
Geography:
Yuri Island is located in the southern Kuril Islands, specifically within the Habomai Islands group. It is one of the smaller islands in the chain. The island is characterized by a rocky coastline and a relatively low elevation. Its terrain is generally rugged.
Geology:
The island, like the other Kuril Islands, is volcanic in origin. The geology of Yuri Island is comprised primarily of volcanic rock formations.
History:
Historically, the Kuril Islands have been subject to territorial disputes, primarily between Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) and Japan. The island of Yuri, along with the rest of the Habomai Islands, is claimed by Japan, who refer to them as the "Northern Territories." The Soviet Union occupied the islands at the end of World War II, and Russia continues to administer them.
Ecology:
The island supports a limited range of flora and fauna typical of the Kuril Islands environment. Seabirds are common, and the surrounding waters support marine life. Due to its small size and uninhabited status, human impact on the island's ecology is minimal.
Economy:
Yuri Island has no permanent human population and no economic activity occurs on the island itself. Its surrounding waters may be used for fishing, but there is no dedicated infrastructure present on the island.
Politics and Administration:
The island is currently administered by Russia as part of the Sakhalin Oblast. Japan continues to claim sovereignty over the island. The unresolved territorial dispute remains a point of contention between Russia and Japan.