Longyearbyen is the administrative center of Svalbard, Norway and is the world's northernmost settlement with over 1,000 residents. Founded in 1906 by American John Munro Longyear as a coal mining town, it has evolved into a hub for Arctic research and tourism. The town experiences extreme polar conditions, including the midnight sun from April to August and polar night from October to February. Its population of approximately 2,400 (depending on the season) is notably diverse, with residents from over 50 countries. Longyearbyen offers various amenities, including a university center, museum, cultural venues, and hotels. Due to the presence of polar bears, carrying firearms outside the settlement is mandatory for safety. The town is also home to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a secure seed bank preserving a wide variety of plant seeds. Longyearbyen's unique blend of history, culture, and extreme environment makes it a distinctive Arctic community and a truly unique place to visit.