Prefecture/City:	Shimane Prefecture
Capital/Prefecture:	Matsue City
Governor/Mayor:	Zenbei Mizoguchi
Area:	6,708 square km (2,590 square miles)
Population:	702,237 as of October 2013
Flower:	Peony
Tree:	Japanese black pine
Bird:	Swan

Business & Industry:

Facing the Sea of Japan, the prefecture is abundant with a wide variety of different kinds of fish, enjoying a good haul especially of horse mackerel, Japanese amberjack and red snow crabs. In the eastern part of the prefecture, major steel makers and electronics component makers are located.

Tourism & Culture:

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, is said to have been built in the mythical age with no specific date of establishment recorded. It is designated a Japan National Treasure. The Oki Islands, an isolated archipelago north of the prefectural coast, offer a wild natural environment.

Famous for:

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its neighboring towns were designated World Heritage sites in 2007. The mine operated for about 400 years after its discovery in 1526.