The Arctic States have territories within the Arctic and thus carry the role as stewards of the region. Their national jurisdictions and international law govern the lands surrounding the Arctic Ocean and its waters. The northern provinces of the Arctic States offer a home to more than four million people, whose health and well-being is on the top of the Arctic Council’s agenda.
Canada
The Kingdom of Denmark
Finland
Iceland
Norway
The Russian Federation
Sweden
The United States
The eight Arctic states are permanent members of the Arctic Council.
Out of a total of 4 million inhabitants of the Arctic, approximately 500,000 belong to Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples’ organizations have been granted Permanent Participants status in the Arctic Council.
The Council's activities are conducted in six Working Groups.