Barentsburg
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Barentsburg (Russian Баренцбург) is the second largest settlement on Svalbard, with about 850 inhabitants, almost entirely Russians and Ukrainians. The main economic activity is coal mining by the Arktikugol (Арктикуголь) company, although tourism is beginning to be developed. The distance from Longyearbyen to Barentsburg is about 55 km, however there are no roads connecting the two settlements.
Although coal is still mined in Barentsburg, it is no longer exported, and the town relies entirely on mainland Russia for food and coinage. There have been instances in which not enough food has been sent, and aid packages are sent from Longyearbyen. Also, the coal company has been known not to pay employees until they finish their three year contract, and have returned to Russia. Tourism is still only an embryonic industry and is not generating enough income to revive the town. In this repsect it must also compete with neighbouring Longyearbyen, which has a well-established 'adventure tourism' industry and provides superior facilities and infrastructure.
During the Soviet era, Barentsburg was used as a posterchild for Communism in the Arctic region, and as such was well-maintained and populated. However, following the collapse of the USSR, Kremlin funding was significantly reduced and the town consequently fell into decay, and today is a mere shadow of its former self. Its outward image is depressingly run-down in comparison to its lively and prosperous neighbour Longyearbyen, and its population continues to decline.
Although Svalbard is under Norwegian sovereignty, the unique Svalbard Treaty of 1920 allows citizens of signatory countries equal rights to exploit natural resources. Currently, Russia is the only country to maintain such a presence. The Russian Federation maintains a consulate in Barentsburg.
External links
- from Wikitravel
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