Richards Island facts for kids
 Richards Island
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern Canada |
| Coordinates | 69°20′N 134°30′W / 69.333°N 134.500°W |
| Area | 2,165 km2 (836 sq mi) |
| Length | 85 km (52.8 mi) |
| Width | 42 km (26.1 mi) |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Territory | Northwest Territories |
| Region | Inuvik Region |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Richards Island is a large island located in the northern part of Canada. It is one of the many islands that form the Arctic Archipelago, a group of islands in the Arctic Ocean. This island is found within the Northwest Territories of Canada.
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About Richards Island
Richards Island covers an area of about 2,165 square kilometers (836 square miles). To give you an idea, that's bigger than the city of London, England! The island is about 85 kilometers (53 miles) long and 42 kilometers (26 miles) wide.
Where is Richards Island?
The island is located in the far north of Canada. Its eastern edge is next to the main part of the Mackenzie River. This river is one of the longest in North America. The western edge of Richards Island is bordered by a smaller waterway called the Reindeer Channel.
Who was Richards Island named after?
The island was named in 1826 by a famous explorer and naturalist named John Richardson. He named it after John Baker Richards, who was the Governor of the Bank of England at that time.
What's on the island?
Even though Richards Island is a wild and empty place, it is very important for Canada's energy. It is home to some major sites where oil and natural gas are found. These resources are deep underground. The closest town to Richards Island is Tuktoyaktuk, which is about 29 kilometers (18 miles) to the east on the mainland.
