Svalbard Introduction 2001

Background: First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five years later it officially took over the territory.

NOTE: The information regarding Svalbard on this page is re-published from the 2001 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Svalbard Introduction 2001 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Svalbard Introduction 2001 should be addressed to the CIA.