Talaud Islands Regency

The Talaud Islands Regency (Indonesian: Kabupaten Kepulauan Talaud) is a regency of North Sulawesi province, Indonesia. The Talaud Islands form an archipelago situated to the northeast of the Minahasa Peninsula, with a land area of 1,251.02 km². It had a population of 83,434 at the 2010 Census, increasing to 94,521 at the 2020 Census; the official estimate as of mid-2023 was 97,312 (comprising 50,061 males and 47,251 females).

The largest island is Karakelong, on which lies the regency seat in the town of Melonguane. To its south lie the islands of Salibabu and Kabaruan, while the Nanusa group of 7 small islands lies to the northeast of Karakelong, and Miangas island is situated midway between Karakelong and the Philippines. It is one of the three regencies to the north of North Sulawesi that are located between Sulawesi and the Philippines, along with the Sitaro Islands Regency and Sangihe Islands Regency; originally these formed a single regency, but on 10 April 2002 the Talaud Islands were split off to form their own Regency.

The island of Miangas is the most northerly in the regency and is widely regarded as the northernmost point of Indonesia. As a result, it is often referenced to describe the territorial integrity of Indonesia in various patriotic statements and songs together with Sabang, Merauke, and Rote Island (respectively the most western, most eastern and most southern points in Indonesia).