The Northern Water Tribe is the northern division of the Water Tribe, Sister of the Southern Water Tribe. Its people are entirely contained within one city located at the North Pole, which is referred to by the same name.
The city is the only surviving city of the Water Tribe. Built inside high walls of ice, and in inhospitable tundra terrain, the city prospers in its isolation. No attack by the Fire Nation on the city during The War has ever succeeded, including the massive Siege of the North. After the fall of Ba Sing Se, the Northern Water Tribe is the only major city not under Fire Nation control.
Unlike its southern sister tribe, the people of the Northern Water Tribe are still plentiful and prosperous.
The Southern Water Tribe is the southern division of the Water Tribes. Its people are scattered in tiny villages and settlements located across the South Pole. Only one of these villages have been seen during the series.
The Southern Water Tribe was formerly concentrated in one great city, now the site of the village that is home to Katara and Sokka. Worn down by constant Fire Nation raids, the tribe is weak and almost defenseless against future invasions and attacks.
Unlike its northern sister tribe, the people of the Southern Water Tribe are teetering on the edge of extinction, with almost no warriors or defenses left. Like many Native Americans, the people of the Southern Water Tribe have light brown skin.