Once named Spitsbergen after its largest island, the Svalbard archipelago was made a part of Norway – not a dependency – by the Svalbard Act of 1925. Since this date, it has been a region of Norway, with a Norwegian-appointed governor resident at the administrative centre of Longyearbyen.
Additionally, Do they speak English in Svalbard? The official language is Norwegian. However, nearly everyone speaks English. In Barentsburg Russian and Ukrainian are spoken.
How is Longyearbyen to live? The archipelago is an entirely visa-free zone and you do not need a residence permit to live on Svalbard. But due to the remote nature of the islands and limited employment opportunities, you must be able to support yourself with your own funds if you are not moving with a job offer.
Subsequently, Does Russia own Svalbard? Since 1932 the Russian state-owned Arktikugol Trust (Russian for « Arctic Coal ») has been operating on Svalbard and the main economic activity in Barentsburg is coal mining by Arktikugol. The coal is usually exported to Northern European buyers. The town relies entirely on mainland Russia for food and coinage.
FAQ
Why can’t you be buried on Svalbard?
It dates back to the 1950s when Svalbard locals made an alarming discovery. Namely, they realized that bodies of the dead that were buried underground weren’t decomposing. This is because the temperature and weather on Svalbard (which sits between the 74th and 81st latitudes north) are frigid year-round.
Can you buy land in Svalbard? The Norwegian state owns practically all land in Svalbard and in practice it is not possible to buy a plot for building your own home. Some private housing has been built on rented land. This housing has been sold or rented out to private individuals in Longyearbyen.
How much does it cost to live in 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. All travel expenses to and from Longyearbyen must be paid by the student.
Does Svalbard have Internet? One area where Svalbardians have it made, however, is online. While most of this high Arctic territory lacks high-speed Internet, Svalbard enjoys speeds estimated to be 10 to 20 times as fast as any in the rest of Norway.
Can I buy a house in Svalbard?
The Norwegian state owns practically all land in Svalbard and in practice it is not possible to buy a plot for building your own home. Some private housing has been built on rented land. This housing has been sold or rented out to private individuals in Longyearbyen. Housing prices are very high.
Can I move to Longyearbyen? 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.
What language do they speak in Svalbard?
Norwegian. Norwegian is the official, and main language, of the archipelago. The weekly Svalbardposten is published in it. Mainly Norwegian-speaking settlements include Longyearbyen, the capital, Ny-Ålesund and Sveagruva.
How does Svalbard make money? The economy of Svalbard is dominated by coal mining, tourism and research.
Does Svalbard have a police force?
Svalbard is its own police district. The Governor has the same authority as a chief of police on the Norwegian mainland. This includes prosecuting authority in Svalbard. The police in Svalbard have the same responsibilities as the Norwegian Police Service on the mainland.
Is giving birth in Svalbard illegal?
You cannot give birth on Svalbard.
When a pregnant women has a few weeks remaining before her due date, she must travel to the mainland to give birth.
Does Svalbard have a hospital? For more than 10 years, Bilicz has been hospital manager and head nurse at Longyearbyen Hospital, the northernmost hospital in the world located just 800 miles from the North Pole on the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.
Are there children on Svalbard? Normally there are no children born at Svalbard. The women head for the mainland when the time of birth approaches.
Can I get 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.
What is minimum wage in Svalbard? The salary range for people working in Svalbard and Jan Mayen is typically from 12,035.00 NOK (minimum salary) to 38,101.00 NOK (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
Can I 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.
What is Svalbard famous for? Top of so many people’s bucket lists, Svalbard is the home of the world’s northernmost… well, pretty much anything. Among many other things, the world’s northernmost full service hotel, liquor store, supermarket, cinema, library, and kebab van can all be found here.
How much does it cost to live in Longyearbyen?
Living expenses
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. All travel expenses to and from Longyearbyen must be paid by the student.
How cold does it get in Svalbard? Meteorology. Average summer temperatures on Svalbard range from 3 to 7 °C (37.4 to 44.6 °F) in July, and winter temperatures from −13 to −20 °C (8.6 to −4.0 °F) in January. The highest temperature ever recorded was 23.0 °C (73.4 °F) in July 2020 and the coldest was −46.3 °C (−51.3 °F) in March 1986.
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