Svalbard is the last inhabited place in the north of the globe and is home to 2,800 people from 40 different nationalities. The documentary is directed by Rebin Rashid and produced by Rudaw Media Network. Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Located on top of the world, it contains endless areas of unspoiled, raw Arctic wilderness. Svalbard consists of all the islands, islets and skerries between 74° and 81° north latitude and 10° and 35° east longitude. The largest island is Spitsbergen, while the highest mountain is Newtontoppen (1,713 m above sea level). A visit to the High Arctic archipelago – roughly midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole – is full of contrasts and amazing nature-based experiences. The Arctic silence creates a unique atmosphere, and you will experience tranquility that is virtually unrivaled anywhere else on earth. Up here at 78° N, you will soon be part of the most beautiful Arctic adventure imaginable. Majestic mountains, blue sea ice, almost never-ending glaciers and a rich animal life dominate the landscape, which changes appearance during our three main seasons; from the colorful tundra of the Polar Summer, via the spectacular light show of the Northern Lights winter to the frozen fjords and endless snowy landscape of the Sunny Winter. Who lives in Svalbard? Longyearbyen is the northernmost urban community in the world. Most of the residents in this tiny Arctic metropolis are Norwegians, but there are also residents from around 50 other countries. In all, around 2,100 people call this place “home”, and they enjoy a strong sense of unity and fellowship. Even in the middle of the settlement, you will get so close to the pristine nature that it will take your breath away. Although Svalbard belongs to the Kingdom of Norway, two settlements in the archipelago are mostly populated by Russians and Ukrainians. Around 450 people live in the modern mining community of Barentsburg, while fewer than 10 live in the Soviet ghost town of Pyramiden. Besides Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Pyramiden, there are two other settlements in Svalbard. Ny-Ålesund, which is located on the southern side of the Kongsfjord, serves as a base for international Arctic research and environmental monitoring, while Hornsund in southwestern Spitsbergen houses a small Polish research station. A group of islands inhabited by polar bears and people Here in Svalbard we live knowng that a polar bear may at any time be closer than we might think. The residents always take precautions when venturing outside the settlements by carrying a firearm as protection against polar bears. This is one of the few places in the world where it's not uncommon to see mothers pushing a pram while carrying a rifle on their back. Everyone who lives here must show respect for the majestic nature we have chosen to be a part of, and we are all fully aware that we are guests in the realm of the polar bear. The residents of Svalbard have come here for a variety of reasons. Some are adventurers in search of a new Arctic adventure, some are researchers who have come to study the fascinating geology among other topics, and others are normal families who like to live an ordinary life in a place that is anything but ordinary. But everyone has something in common: a passion for and a love of Svalbard. Once you arrive, it's hard to leave and Svalbard remains in your heart forever. Once a “Svalbardian”, always a “Svalbardian”. The Polar Bear – The King of Svalbard Polar bears are impressive creatures. They are the world's largest land carnivores and for many people they have become a symbol of the arctic wilderness. The size of a grown- up bear varies from 200 to 800 kg. Humans are considered an alien element in polar bear habitat. The polar bear is incredibly strong and even young animals under 100 kg can be very aggressive and dangerous. The polar bear has been protected since 1973, and it is considered a criminal act to pursue, allure, disturb or feed a polar bear.