Have you ever wondered where on Earth the coldest places to live are? Whether it’s an explorer’s curiosity or a burning desire to push boundaries and live in such places, living in one of the world’s most extreme climates can be an exhilarating challenge. From Siberia to Antarctica and beyond, these five frosty abodes feature temperatures that dip below -40 degrees Celsius, making them some of the world’s chilliest places to call home. So if you’re ready for an adventure that will truly test your mettle and expand your horizons, read on as we explore how life can thrive in even the hardest conditions!
The coldest places on Earth can be inhospitable and dangerous for humans to live in, but for some people, extreme cold is part of the appeal. Whether it’s for work or a sense of adventure, some people choose to brave the elements and call these frigid locations home. Living in these places means resorting to a lot of challenges, such as having limited resource access, having 24-hour darkness periods at a time, travelling by snowmobile, and other such dangerous modes of transport. But despite these hardships, there are many cold places in the world where people choose to inhabit and live.
5 Coldest Places to Live on Earth
Oymyakon, Russia
Located in the Yakutia region of Russia, Oymyakon is widely considered the coldest, permanently inhabited place on Earth. The village has an average temperature of -50°C (-58°F) in the winter, with temperatures plummeting to -71.2°C (-96°F) in 1933, the lowest temperature ever recorded in a permanently inhabited location. Despite the extreme cold, Oymyakon has a population of around 500 people who rely on hunting, fishing, and reindeer herding for their livelihood. To survive the cold, residents rely on fur clothing, wood-fired stoves, and underground heating.
Eismitte, Greenland
Located in central Greenland, Eismitte (German for “Ice Center”) is a research station that was established in 1930 by the polar explorer Alfred Wegener. The station is located in a remote area with no permanent inhabitants and is only occupied during the summer months for scientific research. In the winter, the average temperature is -30°C (-22°F), with temperatures dropping as low as -60°C (-76°F). Despite the extreme cold, Eismitte has played an important role in polar research, including the study of the Earth’s magnetic field and the measurement of ice thickness.
Vostok, Antarctica
Located in East Antarctica, Vostok is a Russian research station that is home to around 50 people during the summer months. In the winter, the population drops to around 25 people who brave the extreme cold and isolation to conduct scientific research. The station is located near the South Pole, where temperatures can drop to -89°C (-128°F), the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth. Despite the extreme conditions, Vostok has played a crucial role in the study of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate change.
Yakutsk, Russia
Located in the Sakha Republic of Russia, Yakutsk is the capital of the world’s coldest region. The city is located just north of the Arctic Circle and has an average winter temperature of -34°C (-29°F). Despite the extreme cold, Yakutsk has a population of around 300,000 people who rely on agriculture and forestry for their livelihoods. To survive the cold, residents rely on underground heating, thick clothing, and hot water bottles to keep warm.
International Falls, Minnesota, United States
Located on the border between the United States and Canada, International Falls is often referred to as the “Icebox of the Nation.” The city has an average winter temperature of -9°C (16°F), with temperatures dropping as low as -40°C (-40°F). Despite the cold, International Falls has a population of around 6,000 people who rely on forestry and tourism for their livelihoods. To survive the cold, residents rely on heated homes, thick clothing, and snowploughs to clear the roads.
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Living in the coldest places on Earth requires a special kind of resilience and determination. These extreme environments can be challenging and dangerous, but for those who choose to call these frigid locations home, the reward is the opportunity to experience a unique way of life and contribute to important scientific research. Yes, it is necessary to prepare yourself for the environment and adapt to it in order to become a part of it. After all, “survival for the fittest” is what we have been living on for aeons of time, isn’t it?
So, whether I am able to prove that I am a fit for the above or not, I will make sure to continue to read and keep you guys updated with the best in entertainment, travel, fun, finance, fashion, education, tech, gadgets, and all things bookish.
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