Svalbard is a group of islands located in the Arctic Ocean between Norway and the North Pole. It is an archipelago of four main islands with a population of approximately 2,500 people. While Svalbard is a distant and bleak place, it is also full of surprises, including some very weird facts that will leave you perplexed.
Here are a few of the strangest facts about Svalbard, Norway:
Humans outnumber polar bears
There are around 3,000 polar bears on Svalbard, while the human population is barely 2,500. Polar bears are the world’s largest land carnivores and a popular tourist attraction in Svalbard. Tourists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when traveling outside of the settlements, as polar bears are known to pose a serious threat to humans.
In Svalbard, it is unlawful to die
It may appear weird, yet it is correct. It has been unlawful to die in Svalbard since the early 1950s. The reason for this law is that the harsh weather conditions in Svalbard prevent body decay. In the past, bodies were recovered and completely preserved, posing a health risk. To avoid breaking the rules, anyone who is critically ill is airlifted out of Svalbard to the mainland.
No sun set for 4 months
Svalbard is positioned in the Arctic Circle, which means that the sun does not set for four months during the summer. This is known as the “midnight sun” and it is a breathtaking sight. During the winter months, the sun does not rise for four months, resulting in a polar night.
Svalbard is home to a global seed repository
The Global Seed Vault, a secure storage facility containing over one million samples of crops from throughout the world, is located on Svalbard. The vault is intended to safeguard the world’s food supply in the case of a global catastrophe. The vault is buried deep within a mountain and is guarded by cutting-edge security systems.
In Svalbard, there are no mosquitos
Mosquitoes cannot live on Svalbard due to the harsh climate. This makes outdoor activities much more enjoyable for visitors because they won’t be bitten by these pesky insects.
There are more snowmobiles on the road than cars
During the winter months, snowmobiles are the principal form of transportation in Svalbard. Snowmobiles are expected to outnumber cars in Svalbard, with many locals owning multiple snowmobiles for varied purposes.
People walk around carrying rifles
That’s correct. You’ll see individuals walking and riding snowmobiles with weapons slung over their shoulders, and your tour guides will all have them as well. Despite the fact that there haven’t been any genuine polar bear assaults, the locals of Longyearbyen are still highly wary. A polar bear guard guards the fence around the school where the children play.
Cats are prohibited in Svalbard
Cats are forbidden in Svalbard because they constitute a menace to the Arctic bird species. The prohibition on cats was enacted to protect the archipelago’s fragile nature.
