The Kurile Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, stretching between the southern tip of Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia and Hokkaido in Japan. The islands are known for their rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, and rich marine resources. They are part of the Kuril Islands chain, which consists of over 30 islands and islets. The Kurile Islands have been a point of territorial dispute between Russia and Japan since the end of World War II. This dispute centers around the southernmost islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia. The islands are strategically important and have significant natural resources, contributing to their geopolitical significance.