(also called Yesso, Ezo, and Matsumae until 1868), the northernmost island of Japan; the second largest island in Japan after Honshu. Area, 77,700 sq km. Population 5.4 million (1977). Hokkaido’s terrain is characterized by mountains that have medium and low elevations. Several mountain ranges, including the Hidaka Sammyaku and Taesetsu-zan, extend outward from the center of the island, and elevations reach 2,290 m (Asahi-dake). Hokkaido has eight active volcanoes, including Usu-dake. Earthquakes are common. The Yubari (Ishikari) field is an important source of coal; iron ore is mined at Kutchan, and sulfur, in the Taesetsu-zan.
The climate of Hokkaido is moderate, oceanic, and monsoon-al. The average monthly temperature ranges from – 11°C to 3°C in January and from 17°C to 21°C in July. Precipitation on most of the island ranges from 800 mm to 1,500 mm annually; much of it falls as snow. The island’s main rivers—the Ishikari, Teshio, and Tokachi—provide hydroelectric power and are also used for floating timber. Lakes include the lagoon Saroma and the crater lakes Kutcharo, Shikotsu, and Toya. Approximately 60 percent of Hokkaido’s territory is forested; spruce and fir predominate in the north, and broad-leaved trees in the southwest. Densely populated low-lying plains, such as Ishikari, are found along the coast, and meadows and swamps occur in the lowlands.
The major cities on Hokkaido are Sapporo and Hakodate. The island forms a separate agricultural and industrial economic region of Japan. Hokkaido is the country’s primary supplier of timber and timber products.
IU. K. EFREMOV