Paramushir, Volcanic island in North Kuril archipelago, Russia.
Paramushir is a volcanic island in the North Kuril archipelago featuring roughly 23 volcanoes, with Chikurachki being the highest peak at 1816 meters. The rugged volcanic landscape shapes the island's terrain throughout.
The island came under Japanese control through the 1875 Treaty of Saint Petersburg after being Russian territory. Soviet forces took control in 1945 during the invasion of the Kuril Islands.
The name comes from the Ainu language, reflecting the indigenous peoples who lived here before Russians and Japanese arrived to settle. This linguistic heritage remains part of the island's identity today.
Severo-Kurilsk is the only permanent settlement on the island and can be reached mainly by ferry or aircraft from the mainland. Access is limited and needs advance planning.
The island holds remains of Japanese military installations from World War II, including abandoned airfields and defense structures. These historical relics are scattered across the volcanic terrain and tell of its wartime past.
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