The Kuril Islands chain is a group of volcanic islands located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, stretching from the northeastern tip of Hokkaido in Japan to the southern coast of Kamchatka in Russia. The chain consists of about 56 islands, with the largest being Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai Islands. These islands are known for their rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, and rich marine resources. The Kuril Islands are strategically significant and have been a point of contention between Japan and Russia since the end of World War II. The islands are currently administered by Russia, but Japan claims sovereignty over the southernmost islands. This territorial dispute has hindered the signing of a formal peace treaty between the two nations.