Murmansk

Being a non-freezing port due to the warm North Atlantic Current, Murmansk resembles cities of its size across western Russia, with highway and railway access to the rest of Europe, and the northernmost trolleybus system on Earth. Its connectivity contrasts with the isolation of Arctic ports like the Siberian Dikson on the shores of the Kara Sea, and Iqaluit in the Canadian Arctic. Despite long, snowy winters, Murmansk's climate is moderated by the generally ice-free waters around it.

Murmansk grew substantially throughout the twentieth century, particularly after World War II during the Cold War arms race. Murmansk's population has been in decline since the end of the Cold War, from 468,039; 336,137; 307,257; to 270,384 (2021 Census).