List of Torres Strait Islands facts for kids
The Torres Strait Islands are a group of at least 274 small islands located in the Torres Strait. This strait is a waterway found between Queensland, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Most of these islands belong to Australia.
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Exploring the Torres Strait Islands
The Torres Strait is home to many islands, each with its own unique features. While there are hundreds of islands, only some are home to people. These islands are important for their history, culture, and natural beauty.
Where Are the Islands Located?
The islands are spread out across the Torres Strait, which is a narrow sea passage. This strait connects the Coral Sea to the east with the Arafura Sea to the west. It's a busy area for shipping and has been a significant pathway for people for thousands of years.
Important Islands and Their Communities
Many of the Torres Strait Islands have people living on them. Here are a few examples of some of the more well-known islands:
- Badu Island: Also known as Mulgrave Island, it's one of the larger islands with a population of around 690 people.
- Boigu Island: This island is close to Papua New Guinea and has about 270 residents.
- Coconut Island: Known as Poruma Island, it's a smaller island with about 180 people.
- Darnley Island: Called Erub Island by locals, it has a population of around 316.
- Dauan Island: Also known as Cornwallis Island, it's part of the Murray Islands group and has about 120 residents.
- Hammond Island: Known as Keriri Island, it's home to about 204 people.
- Horn Island: Called Narupai, this island has a larger population of around 650 people and is a key transport hub.
- Mabuiag Island: Also known as Jervis Island, it has about 50 residents.
- Murray Island: Known as Mer Island, it's one of the Murray Islands and has about 485 people.
- Moa Island: Also called Banks Island, it's one of the biggest islands with 394 residents.
- Prince of Wales Island: Known as Muralag Island, it's the largest island in the strait, though it only has about 20 residents.
- Saibai Island: This island has about 317 people living on it.
- Stephens Island: Known as Ugar Island, it has around 100 residents.
- Sue Islet: Also called Warraber Islet, it's home to 216 people.
- Thursday Island: Known as Wai-Ben or Waiben, this is the most populated island with 2,682 residents and acts as the administrative center for the region.
- Yam Island: Also called Iama, it has about 338 people.
- Yorke Island: Known as Masig Island, it has around 100 residents.
Island Groups and Their Names
Many islands in the Torres Strait are part of smaller groups. For example, the Belle Vue Islands include places like Aipus Island and Mabuiag Island. The Bourke Isles include Aukane Islet and Aureed Island. The Talbot Islands include Aubussi Island and Boigu Island. The Murray Islands and Yorke Islands are also important groups.
Life on the Islands
Life on the Torres Strait Islands is deeply connected to the sea and the rich culture of the Torres Strait Islander people. Many islands are small and uninhabited, meaning no one lives there permanently. The inhabited islands have communities that maintain their unique traditions, languages, and way of life. Fishing and marine activities are very important for the people living here.
