SHORTLAND ISLANDS

volcanic group in the northwestern Solomon Islands, southwestern Pacific Ocean, just southeast of Bougainville. The group's two largest islands are Alu (or Shortland), which has an area of 10 by 8 miles (16 by 13 km) and rises to 680 feet (207 m); and Fauro, which measures 10 by 6 miles. The islands, which have a total area of 160 square miles (414 square km), are planted with coconut palms and support a limited timber industry. The airfield on tiny Balalai Island provides local service. Korovou on the southeast end of Alu is the main settlement. Pop. (1986) 3,143.