And y covers an area of 660 square kilometres, and has a population of nearly 6000, half of whom live in Andenes, the administrative centre. And y, at a latitude of almost 70 degrees north, has a mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream. The landscape accentuates large marshy areas interspersed by rugged mountains. Three of the marshy areas are nature preserves. Fish abound in freshwater lakes and rivers as well as in the sea.
Flocks of birds raise their young in the mountains, on sea cliffs or in the marshlands.
Moose, otter, fox and other animals roam the terrain. Whales and seals are often seen.