Nova Zembla
two large islands in the Arctic Ocean, n, belonging to Russia, and lying N. from the N. E. corner of European Russia, separated by the narrow strait Matotchkin Shar; length, 635 miles; breadth, 170 miles. The coasts swarm with seals, fish, and water-fowl. The interior is frequented by reindeer, white bears, ermines, and Arctic foxes. It has no permanent inhabitants.