Svalbard Introduction - 2022

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 

Background

The archipelago may have been first discovered by Norse explorers in the 12th century; the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was internationally recognized by treaty in 1920, and five years later it officially took over the territory. In the 20th century, coal mining started and today a Norwegian and a Russian company are still functioning. Travel between the settlements is accomplished with snowmobiles, aircraft, and boats.

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Definitions and Notes

NOTE: The information regarding Svalbard on this page is re-published from the 2022 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency and other sources. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Svalbard 2022 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Svalbard 2022 should be addressed to the CIA or the source cited on each page.