What is the history and politics of Svalbard?

Politics of Svalbard. Svalbard lies under the sovereignty of Norway, but the Svalbard Treaty places several restrictions. Norway cannot use the archipelago for warlike purposes, cannot discriminate economic activity based on nationality and is required to conserve the natural environment. Uniquely, Svalbard is an entirely visa-free zone.

Where are the coal mining settlements in Svalbard?

Sveagruva is a coal mining settlement in on the south coast of the main island of Spitsbergen on Svalbard, with no permanent population. Photo: VetleNM, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Who is the chief of police in Svalbard?

Svalbard is a police district of the Norwegian Police Service, with the governor having the responsibilities of both sheriff and chief of police. This includes security; law and order enforcement, including traffic controls; case investigation; and preventative systems.

Are there any restrictions on living in Svalbard?

Svalbard Treaty grants treaty nationals equal right of abode as Norwegian nationals. Non-treaty nationals may live and work indefinitely visa-free as well. “Regulations concerning rejection and expulsion from Svalbard” is in force on non-discriminatory basis.

How big is the island of Svalbard in miles?

Join me as we discover how, time and time again, Svalbard found itself in the right place at the right time. Located 580 miles (930 km) North of Tromsø, roughly halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is an archipelago comprising nine main islands with a total area of 24,209 square miles (62,700 square km).

Are there any restrictions on the use of Svalbard?

Military restrictions: Article 9 prohibits naval bases and fortifications and also the use of Svalbard for war-like purposes. It is not, however, entirely demilitarized. There has been a long-running dispute, primarily between Norway and Russia (and before it, the Soviet Union) over fishing rights in the region.

What do the people of Irschen do for a living?

The people of Irschen pass on their knowledge of how to use and process herbs and medicinal plants to the interested public during guided tours, seminars, presentations, and at the annual Irschen Herb Festival. At the Pfarrstadel herb centre the varied ways of using herbs are presented in the form of “experience islands”.