Svalbard

Svalbard

Svalbard (pronunciation: /ˈsvɑːlbɑːr/), is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.

Etymology

The name Svalbard is derived from the Old Norse words svalr meaning "cold" and bard meaning "edge", thus "cold edge".

Geography

Svalbard is located north of mainland Europe, midway between mainland 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.

Climate

Svalbard is among the coldest and most remote places on earth. It is characterized by its cold Arctic climate, with average summer temperatures ranging from 3 to 7 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures ranging from -13 to -20 degrees Celsius.

Flora and Fauna

Despite the harsh climate, Svalbard is home to a range of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, and various bird species. The flora of Svalbard includes a variety of mosses, lichens, and flowering plants.

Human Settlement

The population of Svalbard is primarily concentrated in the largest settlement, Longyearbyen. Other settlements include the Russian mining community of Barentsburg, the research station of Ny-Ålesund, and the mining outpost of Sveagruva.

Economy

The economy of Svalbard is largely based on mining, tourism, and research. Coal mining is the major economic activity, followed by tourism, which has seen a significant increase in recent years.

Related Terms

• Arctic Ocean
• Spitsbergen
• Nordaustlandet
• Edgeøya
• Longyearbyen
• Barentsburg
• Ny-Ålesund
• Sveagruva
• Arctic climate
• Arctic wildlife

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Svalbard
• Wikipedia's article - Svalbard

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