Okinawa

Okinawa, island, south-west Japan, lying between the East China Sea on the west and the North Pacific Ocean on the east. With an area of 1,176 sq km (454 sq mi), it is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands. The terrain of the northern two-thirds of the island is mountainous and forested. The southern third is hilly, rolling country and contains most of the population. The island's climate is hot and humid and typhoons frequently strike in summer. The principal economic activities are agriculture, fishing, timber production, food processing, and the manufacture of textiles and pottery. United States military bases and tourism are also important to the economy. Naha is the largest city and major port.

Until the 14th century Okinawa was an independent kingdom. Between the 14th and 19th centuries the island paid tribute to China, and in 1879 Okinawa was annexed by Japan. On April 1, 1945, during World War II, United States forces landed on the western coast of Okinawa, thus beginning the last great amphibious operation of the war, and one of the most bitter of the Pacific campaigns. After 82 days of fighting, organized Japanese resistance ceased, and Okinawa airfields were quickly reconstructed and used by the US Air Force. Okinawa remained under US control from 1945 to 1972, when it was returned to Japan. It is still the site of a major US military base. Population (1991) 1,229,000.