Who owns the Arctic Circle?
No one owns the Arctic Circle, although it crosses through many countries including Canada, Russia, Norway and Finland.
Most countries have signs to mark the location where the Arctic Circle crosses major roads or other landmarks, and taking a photo as you cross this important line of latitude is a highlight for many Arctic travellers.
Which countries are in the Arctic?
There are eight countries with territory in the Arctic region: Canada, The Kingdom of Denmark (including Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the USA (Alaska).
These eight nations have formed the Arctic Council to address issues important to the region. The Council’s goal is to promote cooperation, coordination and interaction on matters such as development and the environment.
Is there an Arctic Ocean?
Yes, the Arctic Ocean is the smallest, shallowest ocean basin on the planet, covering an area almost twice the size of Australia. Connected to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it includes many large bays and seas including the Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, Chukchi Sea, Norwegian Sea, the Denmark Strait and others.
During the winter, much of the Arctic Ocean is generally covered in sea ice. The ice provides an important habitat for Arctic life, from the algae that grow on its underside, to the polar bears that use it as a platform for hunting seals. It also plays an important role in global ocean circulation, which helps keep our climate stable.
In the summer, much of this ice melts, opening up waterways for ships to explore in search of wild landscapes, Arctic wildlife and adventure in wide, open spaces.