Luchu
LIU-KIU, a chain of 55 islands, belonging to Japan. They extend in a S. W. direction from Coluet Strait toward Formosa. The total area is 941 square miles. The climate is healthful and the soil fertile. Sugar is the most important crop, but sweet potatoes, rice, barley, wheat, and beans are also produced. The principal industry is the manufacture of cotton cloth for native wear. The population is about 500,000.-