Kiruna

Kiruna is the northernmost town in Sweden, located in the province of Lapland. Situated approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, it is the seat of Kiruna Municipality, the largest municipality in Sweden by land area.

Kiruna's economy has historically been dominated by iron ore mining, primarily by the state-owned company LKAB. The Kirunavaara mine, one of the largest underground iron ore mines in the world, has been crucial to the town's development and Sweden's economy.

Due to extensive mining activities causing ground deformation and risk of collapse, a large-scale relocation of the town center is currently underway. This urban transformation project involves moving homes, businesses, and historical buildings to a new location approximately three kilometers (1.9 miles) east. The relocation process is expected to continue for several years.

Beyond mining, Kiruna is also a significant center for space research and tourism. The Esrange Space Center, operated by the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), is located near Kiruna and is used for launching sounding rockets and conducting satellite operations. Tourism is attracted by the unique Arctic environment, including opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights, dog sledding, skiing, and visiting the Icehotel in nearby Jukkasjärvi.

Kiruna's climate is subarctic, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The town experiences midnight sun during the summer months and polar nights during the winter.