Wikipedia: Svalbard/History

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First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five years later it officially took over the territory.

First discovered by the Norwegian?s in the 12th century, the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five years later it officially took over the territory.

Note, not from the Factbook:
This 12th century discovery is quite doubtful, the statement might be about some very different country (east coast of Greenland, Jan Mayen, the [White Sea]? area). The first indisputable discovery of Svalbard was by the Dutchman [Willem Barentsz]? in 1596.

Background: First discovered by the Norwegian?s in the 12th century, the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five years later it officially took over the territory.

Note, not from the Factbook: This 12th century discovery is quite doubtful, the statement might be about some very different country (east coast of Greenland, Jan Mayen, the [White Sea]? area). The first indisputable discovery of Svalbard was by the Dutchman [Willem Barentsz]? in 1596.