<P> As of September, 2009, the Japanese government estimates the population at 1,384,762, which includes American military personnel and their families . The Okinawan language, called Uchinaaguchi, is spoken mostly by the elderly . </P> <P> Whereas the northern half of Okinawa Island is sparsely populated, the south - central and southern parts of the island are markedly urbanized--particularly the city of Naha and the urban corridor stretching north from there to Okinawa City . </P> <P> Okinawa is the fifth largest island in Japan (excluding the disputed islands north of Hokkaido). The island has an area of 1,201.03 square kilometers (463.72 sq mi). It is roughly 640 kilometres (400 mi) south of the rest of Japan . The island is connected to nearby islands by a land bridge: Yokatsu Peninsula (aka Katsuren Peninsula) is connected via the Mid-Sea Road to Henza Island, Miyagi Island, Ikei Island, and Hamahiga Island . Similarly, from the Motobu Peninsula on the northwestern side, all of Sesokojima, plus both of Yagaji Island and Kōri - jima are connected by bridges . </P> <P> The southern end of the island consists of uplifted coral reef, whereas the northern half has proportionally more igneous rock . The easily eroded limestone of the south has many caves, the most famous of which is Gyokusendō in Nanjō . An 850 m - long stretch is open to tourists . </P>

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