is a subprefecture of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Its population is estimated to be 77,500 as of July 31, 2004 and its area is . It is the northernmost subprefecture of Japan.
Wakkanai Airport is located in Wakkanai. Rishiri Airport is located in Rishirifuji, Rishiri District.
Geography Municipalities NameArea (km2)PopulationPopulation DensityDistrictTypeMapRōmajiKanji Esashi枝幸町1,115.678,5787.69Esashi DistrictTown Hamatonbetsu浜頓別町401.563,8419.56Esashi DistrictTown Horonobe幌延町574.272,4154.21Teshio DistrictTown Nakatonbetsu中頓別町398.551,7764.46Esashi DistrictTown Rebun礼文町81.332,65132.60Rebun DistrictTown Rishiri利尻町76.492,16928.36Rishiri DistrictTown Rishirifuji利尻富士町105.692,66525.22Rishiri DistrictTown Sarufutsu猿払村5902,8844.89Sōya DistrictVillage Toyotomi豊富町520.694,0547.79Teshio DistrictTown Wakkanai (capital)稚内市761.4733,86944.48no districtCity
Mergers
History 1897: Sōya Subprefecture established; Sōya, Esashi, Rishiri, Rebun Districts placed under its jurisdiction 1948: Toyotomi village (now town), Teshio District transferred from Rumoi Subprefecture 2010: Horonobe town, Teshio District transferred from Rumoi Subprefecture
External links Official website