OKINAWA LOCATIONS: Camp Courtney  Camp Foster  Camp Gonzalves Camp Hansen
  Camp Kinser Camp Lester Camp McTureous  Camp Schwab 
  Camp Shields Kadena AB MCAS Futenma Torii Station

Geography
Okinawa is the largest of more than 140 islands in Okinawa Prefecture ( of which only 47 are populated). Measuring 67 miles long by 2 to 17 miles wide, and covering a total area of 454 sq. miles, Okinawa's highest point is Mt. Yonaha at 1494 feet.
Climate
Often referred to as "Japan's Hawaii," Okinawa's average yearly temperature is 72° F , with an average of 82°F in July and 61°F in January, June to October is typhoon season; the rainy season lasts only from May to June. Annual rainfall amounts to 93 inches, however Okinawa topography and lack of natural dams can lead to periodic water rationing.
Population
Okinawa Island: 857,000: Okinawa Prefecture: 1,246,000. The most populated city is Naha, the capital, at around 375,000; Okinawa City, with a population of over 100,000 is second.
Government
Okinawa belongs to Okinawa Prefecture, which sends representatives to the Japanese Diet. Similar to the British parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the head of state , while Emperor Akihito is little more than a figurehead, but highly respected.
Language
Many Okinawans can get by in English, but for the most part speak the Ryukyu subdialect of Japanese or the Japanese of the mainland.
Religion
Shintoism and Buddhism are the major Japanese religions, and you will find both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples scattered about Okinawa.

 updated: 05/24/06