When we think of the coldest place on Earth, many might guess Antarctica, but Antarctica is a continent, not a country. The coldest inhabited country in the world is Canada, with an average yearly temperature of -4.2°C.
List of the World’s Coldest Countries
The coldest place where people live is Oymyakon in Russia, where temperatures can drop below -60°C. The coldest countries, including Russia, Canada, and Greenland, face extremely cold climates. Surprisingly, Alaska (part of the USA) doesn’t make the list because it’s not as cold overall.
Here’s a simple list of the world’s coldest countries:
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1. Canada
Canada is the coldest country, with an average annual temperature of -4.2°C. Winters can drop to -40°C, and the coldest recorded temperature was -63°C. The northern areas are extremely cold because they are close to the Arctic. Canadians use heating and thick clothing to survive the long winters.
2. Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world and very cold, with temperatures as low as -40°C during winter. Siberia recorded the lowest temperature in the world for an inhabited area: -67.8°C.
3. Mongolia
Mongolia faces harsh winters with temperatures dipping to -55°C in January. The vast plains and extreme climate mean Mongolian people use traditional insulated yurts to keep warm.
4. Norway
Norway has a mix of climates. Inland areas are freezing, with temperatures reaching -51°C in winter, while coastal areas are milder.
5. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is very mountainous, so winters are severe. Temperatures can drop as low as -53°C, especially in higher altitudes.
6. Finland
Finland experiences long, cold winters, especially in the north. Polar nights (when the sun doesn’t rise) are common, and snow covers the ground for many months.
7. Iceland
Iceland is not as cold as its name suggests, thanks to the Gulf Stream. However, the highlands can reach -39°C in winter.
8. Tajikistan
Tajikistan, with its mountains, experiences extreme cold. In some places, temperatures fall below -60°C.
India ranks 17th on the list due to its diverse climate. Although most of India is hot, areas like the Himalayas experience freezing temperatures, as low as -50°C.
