Ruthie Lancaster, age 11, of Billings, Mont., for her question:

HOW LONG ARE THE FLORIDA KEYS?

The Florida Keys are a group of small islands or reefs that stretch in a curved line about 150 miles long from Biscayne Bay near Miami, Fla., southwest into the Gulf of Mexico.

The word "keys" comes from the Spanish word, cayo, which means small island.

The Florida Keys are remarkable examples of coral formation. They attract a large tourist trade. Industries include sponge, cigar and canning factories.

Key West is the farthest island from the mainland. It has a very important harbor. Key West is joined with the mainland by an overseas highway 128 miles long.

Most of the Florida Keys have beautiful beaches.