Definition of Arctic Spaces Based on Physical and Human Geographical Division

This study deals with the concept definition of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic is a polar region situated in the northernmost part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean including the North Pole and northern parts of eight Arctic states, i.e. Russia, Canada, Norway, Alaska (United States), Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Finland, and Sweden. Up to now there is no general agreement on official demarcation of the Arctic proper and her boundaries. Hence, there are multiple definitions of the Arctic Circle which bring about various descriptions of her adjoining land and sea areas. There exist various definitions of ‘the Arctic’ based on physical geographical characteristics or on political, administrative, social, cultural, and demographical considerations proposed by various institutions and organizations in Arctic countries. In contrast with the more easily defined boundaries of Antarctica, the southern boundaries of the Arctic vary on account of interests and purposes. This paper does not advocate any particular definition. Though complex and potentially ambiguous, defining the Arctic is a main example of the nature and challenges of classification and categorization systems. We tend to view labels as fixed and static, yet these definitions of the Arctic can be flexible, debatable, mutatis mutandis, and ever-changing.