Arctic

The Arctic is the region surrounding the North Pole. Unlike Antarctica, it is not a continent: much of its central area is covered by the Arctic Ocean, where sea ice expands and contracts with the seasons. The region generally includes the ocean and northern parts of eight countries: Canada, the United States through Alaska, Russia, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

Its exact boundary depends on the definition used; a common geographical limit is the Arctic Circle, at about 66°34′ north latitude. The landscape includes sea ice, tundra, glaciers, mountains and areas of permafrost, ground that remains frozen for at least two years. The climate is cold, but conditions vary across the region.

Winters can bring long periods with little or no sunlight, while summer may bring weeks or months of continuous daylight. Arctic ecosystems support animals adapted to extreme conditions, such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, walruses and migratory birds.

Indigenous peoples, including Inuit, Sámi and other communities, have lived across the Arctic for thousands of years and have extensive knowledge of its environments. Today, the Arctic is warming faster than the global average, causing major changes in sea ice, permafrost, ecosystems and human activities. These changes can also influence climate and weather beyond the Arctic.