Facts for Kids
The Diomede Islands are two small islands in the Bering Strait, where one belongs to Russia and the other to the United States, showcasing the closeness of two nations.
Overview
Geography And Location
Notable Events And Facts
Climate And Weather Patterns
Political Status And Governance
Transportation And Accessibility
Wildlife And Natural Environment
Economic Activities And Resources
History And Cultural Significance
Human Inhabitation And Communities
Inside this Article
Alaska Purchase
Bering Strait
United States
Arctic Tern
Helicopter
Geography
Community
Freezing
Culture
Diomede
Did you know?
🌊 The Diomede Islands are located in the Bering Strait between Russia and Alaska.
🇷🇺 Big Diomede is a part of Russia, while 🇺🇸 Little Diomede belongs to the United States.
🗺️ The islands are only about 2.4 miles (3.8 km) apart from each other!
🐟 Long ago, Native Alaskan tribes like the Inupiat hunted and fished on these islands.
🦅 Unique animals like Arctic terns and puffins make their homes on the Diomede Islands.
🌬️ The climate can be chilly with winter temperatures often below freezing.
🏠 Little Diomede has a small village where around 100 people live.
🚁 People typically travel to the islands by boat or helicopter.
⌛ The International Date Line runs between the two islands, meaning different days!
🎣 Fishing and hunting are the main activities for the community on Little Diomede.
Introduction
The larger island, Big Diomede, belongs to Russia 🇷🇺, while the smaller island, Little Diomede, is part of the United States 🇺🇸. These islands are only about 2.4 miles (3.8 km) apart! They have no trees, so you can find rocks and bushes instead. Kids enjoy learning about these islands because they are an example of how two countries are so close yet separate! 🌎
Geography And Location
Big Diomede is situated at 65.7366° N latitude and 169.0279° W longitude, while Little Diomede is located at around 65.7523° N latitude and 168.9525° W longitude. The islands are both rocky and steep, rising sharply from the ocean. 🚢
The water around them is often cold and filled with icebergs in wintertime, making it an exciting place to learn about geography!
Notable Events And Facts
When it’s daytime on Little Diomede (U.S.), it’s actually the next day on Big Diomede (Russia)! This means that if it’s Monday on Little Diomede, it’s already Tuesday on Big Diomede. This interesting quirk makes the islands special—two worlds so close yet separated by so much time! 🕰
️
Climate And Weather Patterns
️ In winter, temperatures often drop below freezing, and ice can cover the surrounding seas. The islands also experience strong winds, which can lead to snowstorms. ❄
️ Summer is a bit warmer, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (around 4°C to 15°C). This time of year is great for wildlife as the ice melts, and food becomes available. Rainy days are common, so it's important to dress warm and be prepared for changing weather!
Political Status And Governance
Transportation And Accessibility
During summer, boats can cross the chilly waters, but in winter, ice can make travel challenging. People from Little Diomede sometimes visit Big Diomede, but they need special permission because they cross from the U.S. to Russia! This makes visiting the islands a unique experience! With no regular transport systems, the residents have to be creative to make connections.
Wildlife And Natural Environment
Some birds, like the Arctic tern and puffins, love to nest here. In the water around the islands, you can also find sea mammals like seals and whales. 🐋
In spring and summer, many migratory birds visit the islands, making it a lively spot for bird watchers! The surrounding waters are cold, but they are teeming with fish, which makes this area important for both wildlife and local communities.
Economic Activities And Resources
The water is rich with seafood like fish, seals, and crabs. Big Diomede, while not inhabited, has some fishing and mining interests. Both islands don’t have many resources like big cities do, so their economies depend heavily on the ocean! The resources found in the surrounding waters are crucial for the people living there. 🌊
History And Cultural Significance
The islands became famous in 1867 when the U.S. bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million! This was called the Alaska Purchase. Because the islands are so close to each other, people from both sides could see each other easily. When the United States and Russia became rivals during the Cold War, the islands symbolized this division as well. 🗺
️
Human Inhabitation And Communities
Most of them are part of the Inupiat Eskimo tribe and rely on fishing and hunting. Big Diomede has no permanent residents but used to have a small military outpost. The village on Little Diomede doesn’t have roads; people go around on foot or by boat. 🛶
The people celebrate their culture through traditional dances, storytelling, and feasting on fish and other local foods, making it rich with customs and community spirit!
Diomede Islands Quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Mission
To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!
2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.