Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands

Population: 2,332 (July 2001 est.)

Languages: Russian, Norwegian

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.

Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK, NOK (8.81 = US$1))

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.