KURILE ISLANDS, a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean, extending from the Kamtschatka southward to the larger islands that form the Japanese empire. They are twenty-five in number, and are claimed by Russia, with the exception of the three southernmost, which belong to Japan. They are all of volcanic origin, and contain a number of active volcanoes. The surface is very irregular, some of the elevations rising to the height of nearly 6000 feet. The coasts are abrupt and difficult of access, and the seas are subject to violent and sudden tempests. The climate is severe and foggy. Agriculture is not attended to, except on those islands which belong to Japan. The inhabitants employ themselves in fishing and the chase, the produce of which they dispose of to American, Dutch, Russian, and Japanese traders. Area estimated at about 3000 square miles.