the largest and most important of the Kurile Islands, belonging to Japan, and separated from Kunashir on the S. by the Strait of St Anthony, and from Urup on the N. by Vries Strait, N. Lat. (S. point) 44° 29', E. Long. 146° 34'; length 140 miles, average breadth 20. It is of volcanic origin, well wooded, and fertile. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in the chase and in fishing.