# Barentsburg > Russian settlement in Svalbard **Wikidata**: [Q690333](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q690333) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barentsburg) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barentsburg ## Summary Barentsburg is a Russian settlement located in Svalbard, specifically on the island of Spitsbergen, Norway. It is one of the few permanent human settlements in the Arctic region. ## Key Facts - Instance of: city (large human settlement) - Located in: Svalbard, specifically on Spitsbergen - Country: Norway - Population: 471 (as of 2015) - Inception: 1920 - Area: 2 square kilometres - Coordinates: 78.065 latitude, 14.216 longitude - Elevation: 179 metres above sea level - Maximum temperature record: 20.3°C (recorded on 1999-07-17) - Language used: Russian - Named after: Willem Barents - Area classification: settlement in Arctic region - Population classification: small Arctic community ## FAQs - What is the current population of Barentsburg? The settlement has a population of 471 people as of 2015. - When was Barentsburg founded? The settlement was established in 1920. - What is the elevation above sea level? Barentsburg is situated at 179 metres above sea level. - What is the maximum temperature ever recorded there? The highest temperature recorded is 20.3°C on July 17, 1999. - What language is spoken in the settlement? Russian is the primary language used in Barentsburg. - What is the settlement named after? The settlement is named after Dutch explorer Willem Barents. ## Why It Matters Barentsburg serves as a significant Russian presence in the Arctic region, representing one of the few permanent human settlements in Svalbard. Its establishment in 1920 marked the beginning of Russian industrial activity in the area, particularly focused on coal mining operations. The settlement plays an important role in Arctic research and exploration, providing infrastructure and support for scientific activities in the region. As a Russian settlement in a Norwegian territory, it represents the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Arctic, where multiple nations maintain interests and operations. ## Notable For - It is one of the few permanent settlements in the Arctic region of Svalbard. - The settlement has maintained a consistent population of around 400-500 residents for decades. - It holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in Svalbard (20.3°C). - It represents the Russian presence in the Norwegian territory of Svalbard, maintaining a unique cultural and linguistic identity. - The settlement has historical significance as a coal mining community, with mining operations being a primary economic activity. ## Body ### History Barentsburg was established in 1920 as a Russian settlement in Svalbard. The settlement was founded as part of the Soviet Union's efforts to establish a presence in the Arctic region. It has maintained continuous operation since its inception, serving as a base for Russian coal mining activities. The settlement represents the historical development of human habitation in the Arctic, particularly focusing on resource extraction and scientific research. ### Geography and Location Barentsburg is situated on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago. The settlement is positioned at coordinates 78.065°N latitude and 14.216°E longitude. It occupies an area of 2 square kilometres, with an elevation of 179 metres above sea level. The settlement is located in a remote Arctic environment, characterized by harsh climate conditions and limited access. ### Demographics The settlement has a population of 471 residents as of 2015. The population has remained relatively stable over the years, with the community maintaining a small but consistent size. The primary language used in the settlement is Russian, reflecting its Russian heritage and administrative status. The settlement serves as a permanent community in an otherwise remote and inhospitable region. ### Infrastructure and Economy The settlement's economy is primarily based on coal mining operations, which have been the main source of employment and economic activity since its establishment. The settlement maintains basic infrastructure including housing, utilities, and transportation facilities to support the resident population. The settlement has a dock facility for maritime operations, as indicated by the available images showing a mine dock. ### Climate and Environment Barentsburg experiences Arctic climate conditions with extreme temperature variations. The highest temperature recorded is 20.3°C on July 17, 1999, while the lowest temperatures typically occur during winter months. The settlement's location at 78° latitude places it in one of the most northern permanent human settlements in the world. The climate data indicates significant temperature fluctuations characteristic of high-latitude environments. ### Cultural and Administrative Context The settlement is named after Willem Barents, a Dutch explorer who was the first European to navigate the Arctic region. The settlement maintains Russian administrative control despite being located in Norwegian territory, reflecting the complex geopolitical situation in Svalbard. The settlement uses Russian as its primary language and maintains cultural ties to Russia, while being situated in a Norwegian administrative region. ### Identifiers and References Barentsburg has multiple identifiers across different knowledge systems: - Wikidata ID: Q199693 - GND ID: 1271063107 - VIAF ID: 150491293, 2049166717391127150008 - Freebase ID: /m/02cx68 - Geonames ID: 2731990 - Library of Congress Authority ID: no2008188831 - Norwegian Polar Institute Place Name ID: 5ccaa287-7683-5758-99d9-73ea17d84972 The settlement appears in multiple online knowledge bases with sitelink counts indicating its presence in various languages including Russian, Norwegian, and multiple European languages. The settlement has been documented in various sources including Wikipedia and other reference platforms. ### Visual Documentation The settlement has been photographed and documented through multiple images: - Aerial view showing the layout of the settlement - A specific image of the mine dock facility - A banner image representing the settlement - A coat of arms showing the official emblem of Barentsburg These images provide visual documentation of the settlement's appearance and infrastructure. The settlement appears to have a compact layout with buildings clustered together, typical of Arctic settlements designed to maximize heating efficiency and minimize exposure to harsh weather conditions. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. GeoNames 4. Quora