Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, located halfway between Norway and the North Pole. It is part of Norway, known for its stunning landscapes, polar bears, and coal mining history. Svalbard's largest settlement, Longyearbyen, is one of the world's northernmost towns. The region is unique due to its harsh climate, with long, dark winters and short, bright summers. It has a research station and is home to the Global Seed Vault, which stores seeds from around the world to preserve biodiversity. Svalbard is also significant for its international governance, being subject to the Svalbard Treaty.