Archipelago of over 85 islands in the Arctic Ocean, east of Svalbord and northwest of Novaya Zemlya, Russia; area 20,720 sq km/8,000 sq mi. There are scientific stations on the islands.
The five points of the star represent the unity of farmers, workers, intellectuals, soldiers, and youth in establishing socialism. Red stands for revolution and bloodshed. Effective date: 2 July 1976.