The western side of Buka Island and Bougainville Island have many inhabited islands. The main islands off Buka are Poroan, Yume, Petats and Matsungan and a few others used for growing food crops to support the populated islands. The combined area of the inhabited islands is about 5 kilometres2.
The main islands off Bougainville are Taiof (Toiokh) Island, Saposa Island, Hon (Mik Mik) and further south Puruata Island with commanding views of Mount Bagana, an active volcano.
In total there are 160 islands with many no bigger than to support a few coconut trees.
The eastern side of Bougainville has three main populated islands, Bakawari (Pok Pok) and Tautsina a short distance away, and further north Teop.