askvity

Which country does not have darkness?

Published in Geography 2 mins read

While no country completely lacks darkness, Norway is notable for having regions where the sun shines continuously for extended periods during the summer.

Understanding the Question

The question is a bit of a simplification. All countries experience darkness at some point during the year. The more accurate interpretation of the question is: "Which country has regions where the sun doesn't set for extended periods?"

Norway and the Midnight Sun

  • Svalbard: This Norwegian archipelago, the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, experiences the "Midnight Sun."

  • Period of Continuous Sunlight: From approximately April 10 to August 23 each year, the sun remains above the horizon in Svalbard. This means there is no true "night" during this period.

  • Why this happens: This phenomenon occurs because of the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun. During the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in continuous daylight in regions within the Arctic Circle.

Important Considerations

  • Other Countries: Other countries located within the Arctic Circle (e.g., parts of Russia, Canada, Greenland (Denmark), and Iceland) also experience periods of continuous daylight.

  • Partial Darkness: Even in regions with the Midnight Sun, there might be periods of twilight or near-darkness depending on the specific location and time of year.

In Conclusion

While technically no country is entirely without darkness, Norway, specifically its region of Svalbard, provides the closest example due to its prolonged periods of continuous sunlight during the summer months.

Related Articles