Is Svalbard Russian or Norwegian?
Svalbard (/ˈsvɑːlbɑːr/ SVAHL-bar, Urban East Norwegian: [ˈsvɑ̂ːɫbɑr] ( listen)), also known as Spitsbergen, or Spitzbergen, is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. North of mainland Europe, it is about midway between the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole.
Which country does Svalbard belong to?
the Kingdom of Norway
Although Svalbard belongs to the Kingdom of Norway, two settlements in the archipelago are mostly populated by Russians and Ukrainians. Around 450 people live in the modern mining community of Barentsburg, while fewer than 10 live in the Soviet ghost town of Pyramiden.
Can foreigners live in Svalbard?
Everybody may live and work in Svalbard indefinitely regardless of country of citizenship. The Svalbard Treaty grants treaty nationals equal right of abode as Norwegian nationals. Non-treaty nationals may live and work indefinitely visa-free as well.
Are there hospitals in Svalbard?
Our hospital in Longyearbyen, Svalbard The hospital provides both primary care and specialist health services to the population and visitors to Svalbard. There is free parking by the hospital.
Can I move to Svalbard?
Everyone who wants to move to Svalbard must have accommodation and studies or work arranged before they move there. People planning to live on Svalbard must register in the archipelago’s Population Register within 8 days of arrival.
Is living on Svalbard expensive?
Svalbard is the most expensive place we have visited. With a high cost of living and the fact that almost everything you see here was imported, you will absorb some of that expense in your trip costs. It is also very difficult to travel independently in Svalbard.
Is it easy to find a job in Svalbard?
Employment opportunities in Longyearbyen are limited, especially since the recent closure of most mining activities. Employers include the Governor’s Office, the Community Council, the University Centre in Svalbard, the school, and of course the tourism industry.
How much money do you make on Svalbard?
A person working in Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands typically earns around 26,100 NOK per month. Salaries range from 6,610 NOK (lowest average) to 117,000 NOK (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.
How expensive is it to live on 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.
Where is Svalbard located?
Svalbard is an archipelago that is situated in the Arctic Ocean to the north of the European mainland. It is composed of several islands such as Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Edgeøya, Barentsøya, Kvitøya, Kong Karls Land, Prins Karls Forland, Bjørnøya, and Hopen.
What is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago?
Covering an area of 37,673 km 2, Spitsbergen is the largest and the most populous island of the Svalbard archipelago. Spitsbergen is also Norway’s largest island and the only permanently settled island in the archipelago. The island is bounded by the Arctic Ocean, the Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea.
Where to conduct research on Svalbard?
Research on Svalbard centers on Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund, the most accessible areas in the high Arctic. The treaty grants permission for any nation to conduct research on Svalbard, resulting in the Polish Polar Station and the Chinese Arctic Yellow River Station, plus Russian facilities in Barentsburg.
What is the national flag of Svalbard?
It consists of the lion from the Norwegian coat of arms on a background of blue and white vair, possibly symbolising the Arctic landscape of the archipelago. Svalbard does not currently use a distinct flag. Discussions to establish the sovereignty of the archipelago commenced in the 1910s, but were interrupted by World War I.