Country Profile: Jan Mayen
Jan Mayen is a remote, desolate island located in the Arctic Ocean, known for its rugged volcanic terrain and lack of permanent inhabitants. Governed as a territory of Norway, the island is administered from Oslo and holds strategic significance due to its geographical location between the Greenland and Norwegian Seas. Despite its harsh environment, which includes frequent storms and persistent fog, the island is home to military personnel and meteorological stations, reflecting its limited but essential human presence.
Geography
Jan Mayen is situated in Northern Europe, between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea, northeast of Iceland. The island covers an area of 377 sq km, making it slightly larger than Washington, D.C. It features a volcanic landscape, dominated by the Beerenberg volcano, which is the northernmost active volcano on Earth.
- 124.1 km of coastline
- Highest point: Beerenberg at 2,277 m
- No permanent inhabitants
- Arctic maritime climate with frequent storms
People and Society
Jan Mayen currently has no permanent residents. The island hosts military personnel and operates several meteorological stations, emphasizing its role in strategic monitoring rather than habitation.
- Military personnel present on the south side
- Meteorological stations active on the island
Government
Jan Mayen is a territory of Norway, administered from Oslo since 1994. The island does not have its own legal system, and the laws of Norway are directly applicable. The Norwegian Defense Communication Service oversees the island, and in 2010, parts of Jan Mayen were designated as a nature reserve.
- Governed by Norway since 1929
- Administrative responsibility delegated to the Norwegian Defense Communication Service
- The flag of Norway is used
Military and Security
Norway is responsible for the defense of Jan Mayen, ensuring that the island remains secure within its territorial boundaries. The military presence primarily serves to maintain control and monitor the island’s activities.
- Defense managed by Norway
Communications
Although the island has no significant infrastructure, it does have basic communication capabilities. A coastal radio station has been remotely operated since 1994, providing limited connectivity.
- Coastal radio station operational since 1994
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 0 | No permanent inhabitants |
| Area | 377 sq km | Slightly larger than Washington, D.C. |
| Height of Beerenberg | 2,277 m | Highest point on the island |
| Coastline | 124.1 km | Total length of the coastline |
| Dependency Status | Norway | Territory of Norway |
| Administrative Year | 1994 | Administered from Oslo since this year |
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