Yapen facts for kids
Yapen with Serui seen in the background.
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 Yapen
Location in Papua
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Melanesia; Oceania |
| Coordinates | 1°45′S 136°08′E / 1.750°S 136.133°E |
| Area | 2,278 km2 (880 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 1,496 m (4,908 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Province |  Papua |
| Regency | Yapen Islands |
| Additional information | |
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Yapen (also known as Japan or Jobi) is a beautiful island located in Papua, Indonesia. It's a part of the Melanesia region in Oceania.
The Yapen Strait separates Yapen from the Biak Islands to its north. You can find Yapen in Cenderawasih Bay, which is off the north-western coast of the large island of New Guinea. To the west of Yapen is Mios Num Island, separated by the Mios Num Strait. To the east, you'll find Kurudu Island.
Off the southeast coast of Yapen are the Amboi Islands, and to the southwest are the Kuran Islands. All these islands together form the Yapen Islands Regency within the province of Papua. Yapen is home to several communities, including Yobi, Randowaya, Serui, and Ansus. The highest point on the island reaches about 1,496 meters (4,908 feet) above sea level.
Early European Visits
The first time Europeans officially saw Yapen was on June 24, 1528. A Spanish explorer named Álvaro de Saavedra Cerón landed there. He was trying to sail back to New Spain (which is now Mexico) from Tidore.
When the Spanish explorers charted the area, they called Yapen and the nearby Schouten Islands the Islas de Oro, which means "Golden Islands" in Spanish. Later, in 1545, another Spanish explorer, Yñigo Ortiz de Retez, visited the island on his ship, the San Juan.
Unique Nature and Animals
The island of Yapen is very special for its nature. The World Wildlife Federation has named it the "Yapen rain forests" ecoregion. This means it's a unique area known for its amazing bird life and many different kinds of plants.
Protecting the Forests
About one-third of Yapen island is covered by protected areas. These areas help keep the forests and their animals safe. However, the number of people living on the island is growing. This means more forests are being cleared to make space for farming and to gather wood for fires. Protecting these special rain forests is important for the future of Yapen's unique wildlife.
See also
In Spanish: Yapen para niños
- Yapen languages
