Shikotan

Shikotan
Disputed island
NASA picture of Shikotan Island
Other namesRussian: Шикотан; Japanese: 色丹島
Geography
LocationPacific Ocean
Coordinates43°48′N 146°45′E / 43.800°N 146.750°E / 43.800; 146.750
ArchipelagoKuril Islands
Total islands1
Area225 km2 (87 sq mi)
Highest elevation412 m (1352 ft)
Highest pointMount Shakotan
Administration
Federal subjectSakhalin Oblast
DistrictYuzhno-Kurilsky
Claimed by
PrefectureHokkaido
SubprefectureNemuro
Demographics
Population2,100

Shikotan, also known as Shpanberg or Spanberg, is an island in the Kurils administered by the Russian Federation as part of Yuzhno-Kurilsky District of Sakhalin Oblast. It is claimed by Japan as the titular Shikotan District (色丹郡, Shikotan-gun), organized as part of Nemuro Subprefecture of Hokkaido Prefecture. The island's primary economic activities are fisheries and fishing, with the principal marine products being cod, crab, and kelp.