The Islands have a total area of about 406 square kilometers. The island population is continuing to fall and currently stands at 26,000 (as of September 1, 2005), with a population density of 65 persons per square kilometer.

This area possesses a rich natural environment abundant with marine resources. However, the islands are small, geographically isolated, financially weak, and are faced with the important task of improving living conditions through development of the marine and air transportation network and medical care. There is a shortage of future labor to carry on with the agriculture and fisheries industries, which support the island economies, as young people leave the islands and aging of the population advances. Tourism also remains sluggish due to the continuing transportation problems and the changing demands of tourism.

[source:www.metro.tokyo.jp]