Japan is a long country that stretches out from north to south.
ーJapan is a long country that stretches out from north to south, so winter sports like skiing and skating are popular in Hokkaido which is located in the northern part of Japan.
「日本は南北にのびる長い国なので、日本の北部に位置する北海道ではスキーやスケートなどのウィンタースポーツが人気です」
Japan is a long country that stretches out from north to south. で「日本は南北にのびる長い国です」
to be located in ... で「…に位置する」
the northern part of ... で「…北部」
ご参考まで!