What country owns Spitsbergen?
What country owns Spitsbergen?
Spitsbergen, formerly West Spitsbergen (Vestspitsbergen), largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, part of Norway, in the Arctic Ocean. Spitsbergen, with an area of 15,075 square miles (39,044 square km), is approximately 280 miles (450 km) long and ranges from 25 to 140 miles (40 to 225 km) wide.
Who owns Spitsbergen Island?
Norway
Once named Spitsbergen after its largest island, the Svalbard archipelago was made a part of Norway – not a dependency – by the Svalbard Act of 1925. Since this date, it has been a region of Norway, with a Norwegian-appointed governor resident at the administrative centre of Longyearbyen.
Does anyone live in Spitzbergen?
The islands had no government until the treaty was signed in 1920. While it recognizes Norway’s sovereignty, it also stipulates that anyone can live and work there visa-free.
How big is Spitsbergen?
14,546 mi²
Spitsbergen/Area
Do they speak English in Svalbard?
The official language is Norwegian. However, nearly everyone speaks English. In Barentsburg Russian and Ukrainian are spoken.
What language is spoken in Longyearbyen?
Norwegian
Norwegian. Norwegian is the official, and main language, of the archipelago. The weekly Svalbardposten is published in it. Mainly Norwegian-speaking settlements include Longyearbyen, the capital, Ny-Ålesund and Sveagruva.
Does Russia own Svalbard?
Since 1932 the Russian state-owned Arktikugol Trust (Russian for “Arctic Coal”) has been operating on Svalbard and the main economic activity in Barentsburg is coal mining by Arktikugol. The coal is usually exported to Northern European buyers.
Why are cats banned in Svalbard?
The island is populated by many polar bears. Scientists at Norwegian Polar Institute have carried out a counting of polar bears in the Norwegian region. As the eco system is so isolated, cats are banned to protect the rich bird life on the island.
When did Spitsbergen become Svalbard?
1925
Before the Svalbard archipelago became Norwegian in 1925, the area was called Spitsbergen. It is still important to Russia to refer to the islands with their historic name, though a number of other countries also do.
Can you buy land in Svalbard?
The Norwegian state owns practically all land in Svalbard and in practice it is not possible to buy a plot for building your own home. Some private housing has been built on rented land. This housing has been sold or rented out to private individuals in Longyearbyen. Housing prices are very high.
How much does it cost to live in Svalbard?
The cost of living in Svalbard is approximately the same as in the rest of Norway. Stipulated costs for accommodation and food is approximately NOK 10 000 per month. All travel expenses to and from Longyearbyen must be paid by the student.
What is the currency in Svalbard?
Norwegian Krone
The local currency in Svalbard is the ‘Norwegian Krone’ (kr). One Norwegian Krone is divided into 100 øre.
Which islands are not part of the Spitsbergen archipelago?
The archipelago has traditionally been known as Spitsbergen, and the main island as West Spitsbergen. From the 1920s, Norway renamed the archipelago Svalbard, and the main island became Spitsbergen. Kvitøya, Kong Karls Land, Hopen, and Bjørnøya were not regarded as part of the Spitsbergen archipelago.
What is the difference between Spitsbergen and Svalbard?
The archipelago has traditionally been known as Spitsbergen, and the main island as West Spitsbergen. From the 1920s, Norway renamed the archipelago Svalbard, and the main island became Spitsbergen. Kvitøya, Kong Karls Land, Hopen and Bjørnøya were not regarded as part of the Spitsbergen archipelago.
What is the relationship between Norway and the Svalbard Islands?
The Svalbard Treaty of 1920 established full Norwegian sovereignty over the archipelago. The islands are, unlike the Norwegian Antarctic Territory, a part of the Kingdom of Norway and not a dependency.
What are the other settlements like Longyearbyen?
Apart from Longyearbyen, other settlements include the Russian mining community of Barentsburg, the research station of Ny-Ålesund, and the mining outpost of Sveagruva. Other settlements are farther north, but are populated only by rotating groups of researchers.
