Where is Svalbard located?

What countries border Svalbard?

Svalbard Weather

What is the current weather in Svalbard?

Svalbard Facts and Culture

What is Svalbard famous for?

Cultural Attributes: Svalbard is an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, and its culture is influenced by a combination of Norwegian, Russian,... More
Family: Families in Svalbard, like in many other places, vary in size, structure, and dynamics. Svalbard is a small, close-knit community,... More
Personal Apperance: The dressing style in Svalbard is primarily influenced by the extreme Arctic climate and the practicality required for outdoor activities.... More
Recreation: Svalbard offers a wide range of recreational activities, particularly for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and exploring the unique Arctic... More
Diet: The diet in Svalbard is influenced by its remote location, Arctic climate, and availability of resources. Local and Imported Foods:... More
Food and Recipes: While Svalbard does not have distinct mealtime traditions unique to the archipelago, mealtime practices in Svalbard are generally influenced by... More
Visiting: When visiting Svalbard and interacting with the local people, it is important to follow general etiquette guidelines that apply to... More
Dating: In Svalbard, dating rituals and practices are generally similar to those in other Western cultures, including Norway. However, it's important... More

Svalbard Facts

What is the capital of Svalbard?

Capital	Longyearbyen
Government Type	non-self-governing territory of Norway
Currency	NOK
Total Area	23,956 Square Miles 62,045 Square Kilometers
Location	Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway
Language	Norwegian, Russian
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$0.00 (USD)

Svalbard Demographics

What is the population of Svalbard?

Ethnic Groups	Norwegian 55.4%, Russian and Ukrainian 44.3%, other 0.3%
Languages	Norgwegian
Population	2,926
Population Growth Rate	-0.03%
Urban Population	0.000000

Svalbard Government

What type of government does Svalbard have?

Executive Branch	chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince Haakon MAGNUS (son of the king, born 20 July 1973) head of government: Governor Lars FAUSE (since 24 June 2021); Vice Governor Solvi ELVEDAHL (since 1 May 2020) elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor and assistant governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice
Citizenship	see Norway
Independence	none (territory of Norway)

Svalbard Video

YouTube, Benjamin Hardman Mind-blowing Arctic wildlife encounters | Svalbard

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Svalbard Geography

What environmental issues does Svalbard have?

Climate	arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the year
Environment - Current Issues	NA
Terrain	wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west coast clear of ice about one-half of the year; fjords along west and north coasts

Svalbard Economy

How big is the Svalbard economy?

Economic Overview

Coal mining, tourism, and international research are Svalbard's major industries. Coal mining has historically been the dominant economic activity, and the Spitzbergen Treaty of 9 February 1920 gives the 45 countries that so far have ratified the treaty equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only companies still engaging in this are Norwegian and Russian. Low coal prices have forced the Norwegian coal company, Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani, to close one of its two mines and to considerably reduce the activity of the other. Since the 1990s, the tourism and hospitality industry has grown rapidly, and Svalbard now receives 60,000 visitors annually.

The settlements on Svalbard were established as company towns, and at their height in the 1950s, the Norwegian state-owned coal company supported nearly 1,000 jobs. Today, only about 300 people work in the mining industry.

Goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and vehicles, normally highly taxed on mainland Norway, are considerably cheaper in Svalbard in an effort by the Norwegian Government to entice more people to live on the Arctic archipelago. By law, Norway collects only enough taxes to pay for the needs of the local government; none of tax proceeds go to the central government.

Currency Name and Code

NOK

Svalbard News and Current Events

What current events are happening in Svalbard?
Source: Google News

Svalbard Travel Information

What makes Svalbard a unique country to travel to?

Languages

Norgwegian

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