Country Profile: Jan Mayen
Jan Mayen is a remote, uninhabited volcanic island located between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea, northeast of Iceland. It has been under Norwegian sovereignty since 1929 and is known for its harsh, arctic maritime climate and frequent storms. The island is home to the Beerenberg volcano, which is the northernmost active volcano in the world. Governance is managed by the Norwegian Defense Communication Service, and the majority of the island has been designated as a nature reserve.
Geography
Jan Mayen is a barren volcanic island that covers an area of 377 square kilometers, with a coastline stretching 124.1 kilometers. The island features a unique terrain composed of volcanic landscapes partly covered in glaciers. Beerenberg, the only active volcano in Norway, rises to 2,277 meters, marking the island's highest point. The climate is characterized as arctic maritime, with persistent fog and storms.
- 377 sq km - Total area
- 124.1 km - Coastline length
- 2,277 m - Elevation of Haakon VII Toppen, the highest point
People and Society
Jan Mayen does not have any permanent inhabitants. The island is primarily visited by military personnel stationed on the south side and researchers operating meteorological stations. The absence of a resident population underscores its desolation and inhospitable environment.
- 0 - Permanent inhabitants
- Military personnel - Present on the island
Environment
The environmental landscape of Jan Mayen is primarily impacted by pollutants carried from southern latitudes by ocean currents and winds. Its harsh climate contributes to the challenges of sustaining any biodiversity. The island has no agricultural land, showcasing its extreme and inhospitable nature.
- 100% - Land classified as non-agricultural (2018 estimate)
- 0% - Agricultural land (2011 estimate)
Government
Jan Mayen is a territory of Norway, administered from Oslo by the governor of Nordland county. Authority on the island has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian Defense Communication Service. The island's laws are those of Norway, and it is represented by the Norwegian flag.
- 1929 - Year of Norwegian sovereignty
- 2010 - Designation of the majority of the island as a nature reserve
Communications
Jan Mayen has a coastal radio station that has been remotely operated since 1994, ensuring communication with the outside world despite its isolation. This facility serves as a vital link for military and research activities on the island.
- 1994 - Year coastal radio station became remotely operated
Military and Security
Defense responsibilities for Jan Mayen lie with Norway. The island's strategic position requires oversight primarily for meteorological and telecommunications purposes, especially given its location in the Arctic region.
- Defense - Managed by Norway
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 377 sq km | Total area of the island |
| Population | 0 | No permanent inhabitants |
| Elevation | 2,277 m | Height of Beerenberg volcano |
| Coastline | 124.1 km | Length of the island's coast |
| Land Use | 100% non-agricultural | 2018 estimate |
| Agricultural Land | 0% | 2011 estimate |
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