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Native name: Iejima (伊江島) | |
|---|---|
 Aerial view of Iejima | |
  Iejima Iejima in the Ryukyu Islands | |
| Geography | |
| Location | East China Sea |
| Coordinates | 26°42′58″N 127°47′25″E / 26.71611°N 127.79028°E |
| Area | 23 km2 (8.9 sq mi)[1] |
| Coastline | 22.4 km (13.92 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 172 m (564 ft) |
| Highest point | Mount Gusuku |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 4,610 (2012) |
| Pop. density | 200/km2 (500/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Ryukyuan, Japanese |
Iejima (伊江島, Iejima, Okinawan: Ii shima), previously romanized in English as Ie Shima, is an island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, lying a few kilometers off the Motobu Peninsula on Okinawa Island.[1] The island measures 20 kilometres (12 mi) in circumference and covers 23 square kilometres (8.9 sq mi).[1] As of December 2012 the island had a population of 4,610.[2] Ie Village, which covers the entire island, has a ferry connection with the town of Motobu on Okinawa Island.
Iejima is generally flat.[1] The most notable geographic feature is a peak called Mount Gusuku (or "Tatchuu" in Kunigami) at a height of 172 meters.[1] The mountain resembles a volcano but is actually an erosion artifact. [further explanation needed] Alternately called "Peanut Island," for its general shape and peanut crop, or "Flower Island," for its abundant flora and more sizeable crop, Iejima draws tourists by ferry, especially during late April when the Ie Lily Festival begins.