Nova Zembla is an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, part of Russia. It consists of two main islands, Severny and Yuzhny, and is known for its harsh climate and remote location. The islands are largely uninhabited and covered with tundra, featuring glaciers and ice caps. Historically, Nova Zembla is significant for its role in early Arctic exploration. In the 16th century, the Dutch navigator William Barentsz attempted to find a northeast passage to Asia and famously wintered there in 1596. The archipelago remains a site of interest for scientists studying climate change and Arctic ecosystems.