The Northern Kurils are a group of islands located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, stretching from the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia to the northern part of Hokkaido in Japan. This archipelago consists of several volcanic islands, known for their rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems. The islands are part of the Kuril Islands chain and are primarily uninhabited, with a few small settlements. These islands are strategically significant and have been a point of territorial dispute between Russia and Japan since the end of World War II. The Northern Kurils are rich in natural resources, including fish and minerals, making them economically important. The region is also home to unique wildlife, including various seabirds and marine species.