Vincent Ferraro, age 16, of Decatur, Ill, for his question:

WHERE ARE THE RYUKYU ISLANDS?

The Ryukyu islands form a chain in the Pacific Ocean, southwest of Japan between Kyushu Island and the northern tip of Taiwan.

The Ryukyus consist of three major groups: the Amami Islands in the north, the Okinawa islands in the central area and the Sakishima Islands to the south. The larger islands are volcanic with mountainous terrain. Most of the smaller islands are flat coral formations.

The principal agricultural products of the Ryukyu Islands are sugar cane, pineapple and sweet potatoes. Straw hats, textiles and pottery are the principal manufactured items.

During World War II the United States occupied and administered the islands. In 1953 the Amami islands were returned to Japan and incorporated into Kagoshima Prefecture. Under an agreement reached in 1971, the remaining U.S. occupied islands were returned to Japan in 1972. They now form Okinawa Prefecture.

The people of the Kyukyu Islands are related to the Japanese racially, culturally and linguistically. Their history has been strongly influenced by both China and Japan.