Arktis

Arktis, also known as the Arctic, is the polar region around the North Pole. It includes the Arctic Ocean and northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, extending north of the Arctic Circle. The eight sovereign states with territories in the Arctic are Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. The region is defined geographically by the convergence of continental lands, sea ice, and the surrounding seas.

The climate of the Arktis is cold and seasonally extreme, with long polar nights in winter and continuous daylight in summer. Sea ice extent varies seasonally and has shown long-term decline due to climate warming. Permafrost, tundra vegetation, and a range of Arctic habitats characterize the environment. Warming in the Arctic has occurred at a rate faster than the global average, contributing to changes in sea ice, hydrology, permafrost stability, and ecosystems, which in turn affect weather patterns and human activities beyond the region.

Ecosystems in the Arctic support a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, narwhals, belugas, caribou, and numerous migratory birds. Indigenous peoples, such as the Inuit, Yupik, Sámi, and others, maintain cultural traditions and subsistence practices adapted to Arctic conditions, while modern economies bring shipping, energy exploration, mining, and tourism to parts of the region.

Governing and research frameworks emphasize cooperation and sustainable development. The Arctic Council coordinates environmental protection, scientific cooperation, and policy among the eight member states and Indigenous Permanent Participants, alongside national and international research efforts.