The North

The North covers the area of Westeros that lies north of the Neck. It has been ruled by House Stark for thousands of years. It is the largest kingdom but it is thinly populated.

The North has a cold climate, with harsh Winters and occasional snow even during its Summers. Most of its residents still follow the Old Gods, but a few (including House Manderly in White Harbor) keep the Faith of the Seven. It is bordered to the north by the Wall, and to the South by the Neck, a small triangle of swampland. The narrow passage and difficult terrain make it a natural border for the North, and prior to the Targaryen unification the Kings in the North had held off countless southron invasions there (primarily at Moat Cailin). Bastards in the North have the surname "Snow". Source: AWOIAF