Providing rich and detailed essays on the Arctic's environment, wildlife, climate, history, exploration, resources, economics, politics, indigenous cultures and languages, conservation initiatives, and many other topics, the "Encyclopedia of the Arctic" is the only major work and comprehensive reference source to have yet been produced on this vast, complex, changing, and increasingly important part of the globe. The book will not only be an up-to-date interdisciplinary work of reference for all those involved in teaching or researching Arctic issues, but a fascinating and comprehensive resource for residents of the Arctic, and all those concerned with global environmental issues, sustainability, science, and human interactions with the environment. Also includes 305 maps.