Svalbard

Svalbard is a tiny Arctic archipelago, about halfway between Norway and the North Pole, and the most northern settlement in the world with a permanent civilian population. Over 2500 people live in Svalbard year-round. Since 1925, Svalbard has been recognised as part of Norway, and it is also a free economic zone and a demilitarised zone. Despite belonging to Norway, residents come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including Russians and Ukrainians. Even though summer temperatures peak at about six degrees Celsius, the people of Svalbard come together to play soccer at one of their three football pitches.