volcanic island group, northwestern Solomon Islands, southwestern Pacific Ocean, just southeast of Bougainville Island, P.N.G. The group's two largest islands are Shortland (or Alu), which has an area of 10 by 8 miles (16 by 13 km) and rises to 607 feet (185 metres); and Fauro Island, which measures 10 by 6 miles (16 by 10 km) and rises to 1,312 feet (400 metres) at two points along a central ridge. The Shortlands, 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 Shortland Island, is the main settlement.