Social & World Affairs

Welcome to Svalbard - Visa Free in the Arctic

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In the unforgiving Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, a diverse group of global nomads must navigate polar bears, isolation, and self-sufficiency to carve out a life on the world's only visa-free territory.

Svalbard is the only place in the world where anyone can live and work without a visa. But life in the Arctic is very demanding.

People from more than 50 nations have found a new home here. Some are drawn to the arctic seclusion in search of well-paid work, others are fascinated by the breathtaking nature. Residents share the island with thousands of polar bears and trips into the wild nature require carrying a gun for safety. Anyone can come, but there is no community network or social services to rely on. Everyone must be able to support themselves or leave the island again.

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Programme Details

DURATION
1 x 30'
ORIGINAL BROADCASTER
ARTE-01-01 wdr
AVAILABLE IN
HD
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE
German