Introduction to Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Book excerpt: Svalbard and Jan Mayen are two remote archipelagos located in the Arctic Ocean, administered by Norway. Svalbard is the larger of the two and is home to around 2,500 residents, mostly in the main settlement of Longyearbyen. Despite its harsh climate and isolation, the archipelago is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, and a wide range of bird species. Svalbard is also an important center for Arctic research, with numerous research stations and institutes studying topics such as climate change, geology, and biology. Jan Mayen, on the other hand, is an uninhabited volcanic island located farther to the northeast. Roughly 7,000 tourists visit the island annually, mostly for its rugged landscapes and opportunities for adventure sports such as hiking and kayaking. The island is also home to a weather station and a small military presence, as it serves as an important part of Norway's territorial claim in the Arctic. Despite its isolation and challenging conditions, Svalbard and Jan Mayen remain important symbols of Norway's northern heritage and an ongoing subject of scientific and cultural fascination.