The southern islands were a populated region located in the green oceans of Bajor.

Following the death of Kai Opaka in 2369, widespread turmoil broke out on Bajor that, by early 2370 had gone from bad to worse. Among reports of factional fighting occurring in half a dozen districts, there was also news of religious riots spreading throughout the southern islands.

Kira Nerys established these facts while attempting to persuade Benjamin Sisko that Li Nalas should be the next leader of Bajor. (DS9: "The Homecoming")