Disputes - international: claims area in French Guiana between Litani
Rivier and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa); claims area
in Guyana between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari
Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne)
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for South American drugs destined mostly for Europe
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SVALBARD
@Svalbard:Introduction
Background: First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five years later it officially took over the territory.
@Svalbard:Geography
Location: Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents
Sea, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway
Geographic coordinates: 78 00 N, 20 00 E
Map references: Arctic Region