Map Of Arctic Claims

This map shows territorial claims being made by the nations surrounding the Arctic Ocean; such claims have assumed greater importance as Arctic sea ice melts and surrounding countries intensify efforts to exploit natural resources. Developed by researchers at the International Boundaries Research Unit at Durham University in the U.K., the map shows the accepted claims of the Arctic nations — those within their 200-mile territorial limits, or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — and disputed claims, shown in the center in shaded areas. A key area of dispute are claims to resources on continental shelves beyond the EEZ. Russia’s territorial seas are shown in green, Canada’s in yellow, the U.S.’s in aqua blue, Norway’s in orange, Iceland’s in purple, and Denmark’s in pink. For a high-resolution map and detailed notes, click here.