The smallest of the world's five oceans is the Arctic Ocean. Located around the North Pole, it is bordered by several countries, including Canada, Russia, and Greenland. The Arctic Ocean covers an area of about 15 million square kilometers (5.8 million square miles), making it significantly smaller than the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Southern Oceans. Its waters are characterized by their cold temperatures and ice coverage, especially during the winter months. Despite its size, the Arctic Ocean is home to unique marine ecosystems and is becoming increasingly important due to climate change and the search for natural resources.