# Spitsbergen

> largest island of the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway

**Wikidata**: [Q21162](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21162)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitsbergen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spitsbergen

## Summary
Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway, located in the Arctic Ocean. It is part of Norway's sovereign territory and serves as a key research hub for polar studies, including the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, which has conducted continuous Arctic research since 1957.

## Key Facts
- Largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, part of Norway.
- Located in the Arctic Ocean, coordinates: 78.75° N, 16° E.
- Population: 2,642 (as of available data).
- Contains the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, established in 1957.
- Includes notable locations such as Nybyen (inception 1946) and Cape Thordsen.
- Part of the broader Svalbard archipelago, which also includes Jan Mayen and other Arctic territories.
- Sitelinks: 75 (indicating widespread recognition across language editions).
- Aliases: Spitzbergen, West Spitsbergen, Vestspitsbergen, West Spitzbergen, Spitspergen.

## FAQs
**What is the geographical significance of Spitsbergen?**
Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, located in the Arctic Ocean at coordinates 78.75° N, 16° E. It is part of Norway's sovereign territory and serves as a critical hub for polar research, including the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, which has operated continuously since 1957.

**What research facilities are located on Spitsbergen?**
Spitsbergen hosts the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, established in 1957, which conducts year-round Arctic research. Other notable locations include Nybyen (inception 1946) and Cape Thordsen, contributing to scientific and navigational infrastructure in the region.

**How does Spitsbergen contribute to international polar research?**
Spitsbergen serves as a strategic location for international polar research, with facilities like the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, providing continuous observations on climate change, atmospheric conditions, and Arctic ecosystems. Its strategic position within the Arctic Circle makes it invaluable for global environmental studies.

**What are the key administrative divisions related to Spitsbergen?**
Spitsbergen is part of the Svalbard archipelago, which includes other islands and territories under Norwegian administration. It contains significant locations such as Nybyen (inception 1946) and Cape Thordsen, while also hosting the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, as a key research facility.

## Why It Matters
Spitsbergen plays a pivotal role in Arctic research and international scientific collaboration. As the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, it serves as a critical hub for polar studies, hosting facilities like the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, which has conducted continuous research since 1957. Its strategic location within the Arctic Circle allows for comprehensive studies on climate change, atmospheric conditions, and Arctic ecosystems, making it indispensable for global environmental research. Additionally, Spitsbergen's status as part of Norway's sovereign territory underscores its importance in Arctic governance and resource management.

## Notable For
- Largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, part of Norway.
- Hosts the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, the only Polish polar research station with continuous operation since 1957.
- Strategic location within the Arctic Circle for comprehensive Arctic research.
- Contains notable locations such as Nybyen (inception 1946) and Cape Thordsen, enhancing scientific and navigational infrastructure.
- Serves as a key hub for international polar research, contributing to global environmental studies.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, located in the Arctic Ocean at coordinates 78.75° N, 16° E. It is part of Norway's sovereign territory and serves as a critical hub for polar research. The island's strategic location within the Arctic Circle makes it invaluable for scientific studies on climate change and Arctic ecosystems.

### Research Facilities
Spitsbergen hosts several key research facilities, including the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, established in 1957. This station conducts year-round Arctic research and is recognized for its continuous operation since its founding. Other notable locations include Nybyen (inception 1946) and Cape Thordsen, which contribute to scientific and navigational infrastructure in the region.

### Administrative and Political Context
Spitsbergen is part of the Svalbard archipelago, which includes other islands and territories under Norwegian administration. The archipelago's political status as part of Norway underscores its importance in Arctic governance and resource management. The island's population of 2,642 reflects its role as a research and administrative hub.

### International Significance
Spitsbergen's strategic location and research facilities make it a vital player in international polar research. The Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, provides continuous observations on climate change and Arctic ecosystems, contributing to global environmental studies. Its status as part of Norway's sovereign territory ensures its role in Arctic governance and resource management.

### Historical and Cultural Context
Spitsbergen's history includes notable locations such as Nybyen (inception 1946) and Cape Thordsen, which have contributed to scientific and navigational infrastructure. The island's cultural significance is reflected in its role as a hub for Arctic research and its status as part of Norway's broader Arctic territories.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. GeoNames
5. BabelNet
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
7. KBpedia