Svalbard

Svalbard, part of the Kingdom of Norway, lies in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe. It consists of a group of islands ranging from 74° to 81° North, and 10° to 34° East; it is the northernmost possession of the Kingdom of Norway. Three islands are populated: Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya and Hopen.

Politics

By the terms of the Svalbard Treaty of February 9, 1920, international diplomacy recognized Norwegian sovereignty and designated the area as demilitarized. Norway took over administration of Svalbard in 1925. However, under the terms of this unique treaty, citizens of various other countries have rights to exploit mineral deposits and other natural resources "on a footing of absolute equality". As a result, a permanent Russian settlement, more or less autonomous, grew up at Barentsburg. The Russians abandoned another settlement at Pyramiden in 2000. At one time, the Russian (or Soviet) population of Svalbard considerably exceeded the Norwegian population, although this no longer applies.

Related Topics:
Svalbard Treaty - February 9 - 1920 - Demilitarized - 1925 - Russia - Barentsburg - Pyramiden - 2000 - Soviet

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An appointed Norwegian governor, the sysselmann, based in the town of Longyearbyen, administers the territory. The callsign for each amateur radio station starts with JW.

Related Topics:
Longyearbyen - Callsign - Amateur radio

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