The term "Norwegian Dependencies" refers to territories that are under the sovereignty of Norway but are not part of the mainland. These include Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, and Bouvet Island, an uninhabited island in the South Atlantic. These regions are governed by Norwegian law and are important for their unique ecosystems and strategic locations. Another notable dependency is Jan Mayen, a remote island in the Arctic, which is also administered by Norway. These dependencies play a role in Norway's research efforts, particularly in climate studies and biodiversity, while also contributing to the country's maritime claims and presence in polar regions.