Napapiiriä

Napapiiriä is the Finnish term for the Arctic Circle. It is an imaginary line located at approximately 66.5 degrees North latitude. This line signifies the southernmost latitude within the Arctic Circle where the sun remains continuously above the horizon for 24 hours at least once per year, and below the horizon for 24 hours at least once per year. The phenomenon of the midnight sun occurs north of the Arctic Circle during the summer solstice, while polar night is experienced during the winter solstice.

The Arctic Circle passes through several countries and territories, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States (Alaska), Canada, and Greenland. In Finland, Napapiiriä is a significant geographical marker and a popular tourist destination. The official border of the Arctic Circle is recognized as a line that shifts slightly over time due to the Earth's axial tilt variations.

Various communities and settlements exist within the Arctic Circle, adapting to the unique environmental conditions. These regions are characterized by extreme temperatures, prolonged periods of darkness and daylight, and distinct ecosystems. The cultural and historical significance of the Arctic Circle region is tied to the indigenous peoples who have inhabited these areas for millennia, developing unique ways of life in harmony with the challenging climate.