The Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line that goes around the Earth near the North Pole. It marks the edge of the Arctic region. North of this line, the sun does not set on the longest day of summer. In the middle of winter, the sun does not rise at all.

Land of the Midnight Sun

In summer, places above the Arctic Circle have very long days. The sun can shine for 24 hours without setting. This is called the midnight sun. In winter, the opposite happens. The sun stays below the horizon and it is dark all day. This is called polar night.

Life in the Arctic

Several countries have land above the Arctic Circle. These include Canada, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the United States with Alaska. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer live here. Indigenous peoples like the Inuit have called this cold region home for thousands of years.

Fun Facts

• The Arctic Circle is at about 66.5 degrees north latitude.
• About 4 million people live north of the Arctic Circle.
• The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are often seen near the Arctic Circle.

Did You Know?

In some towns above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not rise for over two months during winter!