The Arctic

The Arctic is the area around the North Pole. It is one of the coldest places on Earth. Most of the Arctic is a huge ocean covered in thick ice. Land around this ocean belongs to countries like Canada, Russia, and the United States. Many amazing animals and brave people live here.

Land of Ice and Snow

The Arctic is famous for its ice and snow. In winter, the sun does not rise for weeks. In summer, the sun shines all day and all night. This is why it is called the Land of the Midnight Sun. The sea ice grows bigger in winter and melts smaller in summer. Sometimes you can see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky.

Animals and People

Many animals call the Arctic home. Polar bears hunt on the ice for seals. Walruses rest on floating ice with their long tusks. Arctic foxes have thick white fur to stay warm. Whales and seabirds swim and fly here too. People like the Inuit have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years. They know how to stay warm and find food in the cold.

Fun Facts

• The word Arctic comes from a Greek word meaning bear.
• Arctic sea ice can be over ten feet thick.
• Polar bears have black skin under their white fur.

Did You Know?

There is no land under the North Pole, only a thick sheet of floating ice on top of the ocean!