When defining the Arctic Polar Zone as extending from the North Pole to the timberline, or the edge of habitat where trees can grow, several countries can claim they are wholly or partially located in the zone. They are Russia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, Canada and the United States (Alaska).
When defined as the region extending from the South Pole to 60 degrees south latitude, no permanent human settlements are in the Antarctic Polar Zone. As such, no countries can claim they are part of the Antarctic Polar Zone.
The majority of Iceland lies below the Arctic Polar Zone, leaving only its northernmost isle of Grimsy in the Arctic.
Russia contains the longest coastline in the Arctic Polar Zone, as well as the most square mileage. Its northernmost border lies almost entirely within the zone, which extends from Siberia to Russia's border with Europe. In recent years, Russia has committed more resources to developing its Arctic assets than any other polar zone nation.
Sweden's arctic lands include portions Lapland, Norbotten and Sampi, which play host to international Arctic races, extreme backpacking and camping adventures and are home to Sweden's two Arctic Army regiments.
Located to the west of Sweden, Finland's Arctic lands include portions of Lapland and Sampi. Finland leads the way with the other Arctic countries to resume trading and political cooperation to save the Arctic after the Cold War in the early 1990s.
Norway's Arctic lands include Svalbard, Jan Mayen and Finnmark, which share a rich history of Viking rule and Arctic research. Norwegian universities in Tromsø, Trondheim, Bergen and Oslo have banded with the Norwegian Polar Research Institute and the Institute of Marine Research to further their knowledge of the Arctic waters and life on land.
Denmark's claim to Arctic lands includes its island Greenland. Hans Egede, a Danish explorer, claimed the island in the early 18th century. Greenland also contains Gunnbjørn Fjeld, the highest point in the Arctic Polar Zone.
Canada's Yukon, Nunavit and Northwest territories, collectively known as the Far North, lie within the Arctic Polar Zone. Canada's population is concentrated almost entirely in its southern half, so the Far North contains few cities and a sparse population.
The U.S.'s claim to Arctic territory lies only in its northernmost state, Alaska. Known for its wildlife, gold and oil reserves, Alaska provides much of American's domestic oil production, and is relatively sparsely populated.
