Hokkaido

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Northernmost and second-largest of the four main islands of Japan, separated from Honshu to the south by Tsugaru Strait (20 km/12 mi wide), and from Sakhalin (Russia) to the north by Soya Strait; area 83,500 sq km/32,239 sq mi; population (2000 est) 5,683,000 (including 16,000 Ainus). The capital is Sapporo; other major cities are Hakodate, Asahikawa, Otaru, and Muroran. The main industries are coal, mercury, manganese, oil, natural gas, and tourism; agriculture centres on rice cultivation, dairying, forestry, and fishing.

Hokkaido was little developed until the Meiji Restoration in 1868 when disbanded samurai were settled here. Following World War II there was intensive industrial and agricultural development on the island.

Green is a symbol of fertility. White represents neutrality. Black reflects the Emirates' oil wealth. Red recalls the former flags of the Kharijite Muslims. Effective date: 2 December 1971. >>