Franz Josef Land is an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, north of Russia. It consists of about 191 islands and is known for its remote and harsh environment. The islands are mostly covered in glaciers and ice, making them a significant area for scientific research, particularly in climate studies. Discovered in 1873 by Austrian explorer Karl Weyprecht, Franz Josef Land has a rich history of exploration. The archipelago is part of the Russian Arctic National Park and is home to various wildlife, including polar bears and seals, making it an important habitat in the Arctic ecosystem.