The Shortland Islands are group of islands belonging to the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, at . Named by John Shortland, they lie in the extreme northwest of the country's territory, close to the island of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. The largest island is Shortland Island. Other islands include Ovau Island, Pirumeri Island, Magusaiai Island, Fauro Island, and Ballale Island (which was occupied by the Japanese in World War II, and is home to many abandoned World War II aircraft).