Okinawa Landscape

Okinawa is the largest among a group of islands south of Japan, part of the Ryukyu archipelago.   The islands constitute Okinawa Prefecture, a district of Japan.  Together they account for about 850 square miles, with a population of nearly 1,500,000.   The larger islands of the Prefecture are composed of volcanic rock, though some of the smaller islands are chiefly coral.   The climate is sub-tropical, with frequent typhoons.  Today Okinawa’s main industry is tourism, with visitors drawn to its beaches and historic locales alike.    It also produces sugar, pineapples, sweet potatoes, rice and fish. 

Learn more:

Okinawa Prefectural Government: Official website of Okinawa Prefecture. 2013

"Okinawa." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Paul Lagasse, and Columbia University, Columbia University Press, 8th edition, 2018. Credo Reference.