Java is a long narrow island, separated from Sumatra by the
Sunda Strait. Its northern shore faces the Java Sea, and its
southern shore faces the Indian Ocean. The entire island is a
chain of more than fifty volcanoes, including many that are
extremely active, and have historically caused tremendous
damage. The volcanoes Gunung Raung, Papandayan, and Galunggung
have all killed thousands of people in their eruptions, as has
Gunung Merapi, which is still active today. Its 1995 eruption
killed thirty and injured over 100. Java's highest mountain is
Gunung Semeru (Mahameru), which rises to 12,060 ft. (3,676 m).