Russia is the largest country crossed by the Arctic Circle. Its northern territory extends across the Arctic Ocean and includes a long coastline, tundra, islands, and settlements above the circle of latitude.
The Arctic Circle currently lies at about 66°33′ north, though its exact position shifts gradually because Earth’s axial tilt changes. Russia’s Arctic region includes parts of Siberia and the Russian Far North, an area important for energy, shipping, fisheries, and Indigenous communities.
Canada is also crossed by the Arctic Circle and has a large Arctic territory, but Russia is larger overall. Norway and Sweden reach the Arctic Circle in northern Scandinavia, yet their total areas are much smaller.