Okinotorishima

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Okinotorishima (沖ノ鳥島, Okinotori-shima) is an uninhabited Japanese island in the Philippine Sea. The 3-sq.-mile atoll is part of the Palau-Kyushu Ridge.[1]

Okinotori-shima, Okinotori Islands, Parece Vela
Native name:
沖ノ鳥島, Okinotori-shima
Okinotori-shima
Geography
LocationPhilippine Sea, Pacific Ocean
Coordinates20°25′N 136°05′E / 20.417°N 136.083°E / 20.417; 136.083
Total islands1 atoll with 2 islets
Area7.8 km2 (3.0 sq mi)
Highest elevation1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Highest pointunnamed point
Administration
Japan
PrefecturesTokyo
VillageOgasawara
Demographics
Population0

History

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Okinotorishima is one of the Pacific Ocean islands known as Ogasawara, Tokyo.[1]

Japan claims the waters around the island as an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); but this is disputed by China.[2]

Geography

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The Japanese government identifies Okinotori as Japan's southernmost island. It is 1,700 kilometres south of central Tokyo.[2]

Okinotori is at a militarily strategic point. It is midway between Taiwan and Guam.[1]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Onishi, Norimitsu. "Japan and China Dispute a Pacific Islet," The New York Times. July 10, 2005. Retrieved 2012-10-5.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Japan hopes to build lighthouse on atoll disputed with China," Xinhua (China). August 5, 2005. Retrieved 2012-10-5.