Kunashir
Welcome to Kunashir, a Continental island in the Sea of Okhotsk, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Kunashir unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Kunashir
Size: 1468 km²
Coastline: 419 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: Sea of Okhotsk
Continent: Asia
Kunashir is a Very Large Island spanning 1468 km² with a coastline of 419 km.
Archipel: Kuril Islands – A volcanic archipelago stretching from Japan to Russia, known for their rugged landscapes and abundant marine life.
Tectonic Plate: Okhotsk – Located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, the Okhotsk Plate encompasses the Sea of Okhotsk, the Kamchatka Peninsula, and parts of Japan. It’s involved in complex interactions with the Pacific and North American plates, contributing to seismic activity in the region.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 44.1759338 / Longitude: 145.94930497
Climate and weather of Kunashir
Climate Zone: Continental
Climate Details: Warm-Summer Humid Continental Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Features warm summers and cold winters with consistent precipitation, common in higher latitudes.
Topography and nature of Kunashir
Timezone: UTC+11:00
Timezone places: Asia/Vladivostok
Max. Elevation: 1819 m Tyatya V.
Mean Elevation: 210 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Needleleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 74%
The mean elevation is 210 m. Dominating the island’s landscape, the majestic “Tyatya V.” rises as the highest peak, soaring to impressive heights. The island is characterized by Plateau: Elevated flatlands rising sharply above the surrounding area, with a maximum elevation over 500 meters but a mean elevation less than 300 meters, forming unique highland areas on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Evergreen Needleleaf Forest
Dominated by evergreen coniferous trees such as pines and firs, which retain their needle-like leaves throughout the year. These forests are often found in cooler climates. Kunashir has a tree cover of 74 %.
Vegetation: 12 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Kunashir
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Kunashir. The nearest airport is Nakashibetsu Airport, located 54 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Kunashir. The closest major port is NEMURO KO, approximately 42 km away.
The mean population of Kunashir is 5 per km². Kunashir is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Russia.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: جزيرة كوناشير; German: Kunaschir; Spanish: Kunashir; French: Kounachir; Portuguese: Kunashir; Russian: Кунашир; Chinese: 國後島
Continuing your journey, Suishō-tō is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
KUNASHIR / КУНАШИР (Eng subtitles)
Russia is classified as Emerging region: BRIC: Brazil, Russia, India, and China – Economies noted for their rapid growth and increasing influence on global affairs. The level of income is Upper middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Kunashir
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Kunashir. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- Moderate mag. 4.2 earthquake - Sea of Okhotsk, 40 km northeast of Shikotan, Sakhalin Oblast, Russia, on Monday, Dec 29, 2025, at 10:19 pm (GMT +11) - Volcano Discoveryon 29 December 2025
Moderate mag. 4.2 earthquake - Sea of Okhotsk, 40 km northeast of Shikotan, Sakhalin Oblast, Russia, on Monday, Dec 29, 2025, at 10:19 pm (GMT +11) Volcano Discovery
- The Kurile Islands: a Key to Russia’s Maritime Nuclear Strategy - The Jamestown Foundationon 14 November 2025
The Kurile Islands: a Key to Russia’s Maritime Nuclear Strategy The Jamestown Foundation
- Ex-residents of Russian-controlled islands off Hokkaido want grave-site visits resumed - The Japan Timeson 22 July 2025
Ex-residents of Russian-controlled islands off Hokkaido want grave-site visits resumed The Japan Times
- Memorial services at sea to be held off disputed islands - The Japan Timeson 18 June 2025
Memorial services at sea to be held off disputed islands The Japan Times
- A Japanese ship fired machine gun fire in a disputed area with Russia! - Zamin.uzon 25 May 2025
A Japanese ship fired machine gun fire in a disputed area with Russia! Zamin.uz
- Japan Accuses Russia of Restricting Sea Navigation Around Kuril Islands - The Moscow Timeson 17 April 2025
Japan Accuses Russia of Restricting Sea Navigation Around Kuril Islands The Moscow Times
- Japan protests Russia over restricted navigation in waters surrounding disputed islets - Anadolu Ajansıon 17 April 2025
Japan protests Russia over restricted navigation in waters surrounding disputed islets Anadolu Ajansı
- Russia bans Japanese NGO campaigning for return of disputed islands - The Brussels Timeson 7 April 2025
Russia bans Japanese NGO campaigning for return of disputed islands The Brussels Times
- Russia Bans Japanese NGO Amid Dispute Over Kuril Islands - The Moscow Timeson 7 April 2025
Russia Bans Japanese NGO Amid Dispute Over Kuril Islands The Moscow Times
- Alexey Ivanovsky was “skinned alive” by a bear - vocal.mediaon 5 July 2024
Alexey Ivanovsky was “skinned alive” by a bear vocal.media
Social Media Posts about Kunashir
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.