Although World War II ended for all practical purposes in 1945, it is still technically ongoing as two participants, Russia and Japan, have never signed a peace treaty. The cause is the dispute between the two nations over the Kuril islands, a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean, stretching between Japan and Russia.
At the start of World War II, the islands were occupied by the Japanese but Russia took control of the islands at the end of the war. Both nations claim rights to the islands.
There have been several talks between Japan and Russia to finalize a peace treaty but it has not taken place as the dispute over the Kuril islands remains unresolved.
More about World War II:
- The U.S. defense budget increased from $1.9 billion in 1940 to $59.8 billion in 1945.
- During World War II, many Americans called hamburgers "liberty steaks" because they thought the word "hamburger" sounded German.
- World War II casualties are estimated to be between 50 and 70 million people, half of whom were civilians.