Background: This desolate arctic mountainous island was named after a Dutch whaling captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614 (earlier claims are inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal hunters and trappers over the following centuries the island came under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Beerenberg volcano the northernmost active volcano on earth resumed activity in 1970 and the most recent eruption occurred in 1985.

Geographic coordinates: 71 00 N 8 00 W

Map reference: Arctic Region

Area
Total: 377 km²
Land: 377 km²
Water: 0 km²
Rank: 205
Comparative: slightly more than twice the size of Washington DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 124.1 km

Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 4 nm
Contiguous zone: 10 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate: arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog

Terrain: volcanic island partly covered by glaciers

Elevation
Extremes lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
Extremes highest point: Haakon VII Toppen on Beerenberg 2,277 m
Extremes note: Beerenberg volcano has numerous peaks; the highest point on the volcano rim is named Haakon VII Toppen after Norway's first king following the reestablishment of Norwegian independence in 1905

Natural resources: none

Land use
Agricultural land: 0%
Forest: 0%
Other: 100%

Irrigated land: 0 km² (2011)

Natural hazards: dominated by the volcano Beerenberg
Volcanism: Beerenberg is Norway's only active volcano; volcanic activity resumed in 1970; the most recent eruption occurred in 1985

Geography
Note: barren volcanic island with some moss and grass

Population: no indigenous inhabitants
Note: personnel operate the Long Range Navigation base and the weather and coastal services radio station

Environment
Current issues: NA

Country name
Conventional long form: none
Conventional short form: Jan Mayen

Legal system: the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Flag description: the flag of Norway is used

Economy overview: Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural resources although surrounding waters contain substantial fish stocks and potential untapped petroleum resources. Economic activity is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations on the island.

Broadcast media: a coastal radio station has been remotely operated since 1994 (2008)

Airports: 1 (2013)
Rank: 222
With unpaved runways total: 1
With unpaved runways 15-24 to 2437 m: 1

Ports and terminals: none; offshore anchorage only

Disputes international: none