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Where is King William Island located?

Published in Arctic Geography 2 mins read

King William Island is precisely located in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada, and is a significant part of the larger Arctic Archipelago.

Geographical Context of King William Island

This island, historically known as King William Land and identified by its Inuktitut name Qikiqtaq, holds a prominent position within the Canadian Arctic. Its location can be understood by breaking down its administrative and geographical affiliations:

  • Region: It is situated within the Kitikmeot Region, one of the three administrative regions that constitute Nunavut. This region covers a substantial portion of the central Canadian Arctic.
  • Territory: King William Island is part of Nunavut, Canada's largest and northernmost territory. Nunavut encompasses much of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, extending from mainland Canada far into the Arctic Ocean.
  • Archipelago: The island is an integral component of the vast Arctic Archipelago, a large group of islands in northern Canada that forms the northernmost part of North America.

For a clearer overview of its placement, consider the following breakdown:

Geographical Level Specific Area
Region Kitikmeot Region
Territory Nunavut
Larger Grouping Arctic Archipelago

Understanding King William Island's location within Nunavut and the broader Arctic Archipelago is essential for appreciating its role in polar geography and its historical significance, particularly concerning past expeditions and explorations in the High Arctic.