Svalbard

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean. It is situated north of mainland Europe and is approximately midway between continental Norway and the North Pole. The islands of the group range from 74° to 81° north latitude, and from 10° to 35° east longitude. The largest island is Spitsbergen, followed by Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya. Administratively, the archipelago is not part of any Norwegian county, but forms an unincorporated area administered by a governor appointed by the Norwegian government.

Geography

Svalbard is among the world's northernmost inhabited areas, known for its rugged and remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The Northern Lights are visible in winter, and summer brings the "midnight sun"—sunlight 24 hours a day.

Climate

The climate of Svalbard is dominated by its high latitude, with the average summer temperature at 4–6 °C (39–43 °F) and January averages at −12 to −16 °C (10 to 3 °F). The North Atlantic Current moderates Svalbard's temperatures, particularly during winter, giving it up to 20 °C (36 °F) higher winter temperature than similar latitudes in continental Russia and Canada.

Flora and Fauna

The flora of Svalbard include 165 species of plants. The marine fauna include 20 species of marine mammals, including the polar bear, the Svalbard reindeer and the Arctic fox.

Economy

The economy of Svalbard is dominated by coal mining, tourism and research. In 2007, there were 484 people working in the mining sector, 211 people working in the tourism sector and 111 people working in the education sector. The same year, mining gave a revenue of NOK 2.008 billion, tourism NOK 317 million and research 142 million.

See Also

• Norway
• Arctic Ocean
• Spitsbergen
• Nordaustlandet
• Edgeøya

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