These are the world's coldest countries
Precious Rongmei, TIMESOFINDIA.COM, TRAVEL TRENDS, WORLD Created : Dec 25, 2023, 10:00 IST
Cold places
For some, it's a love-hate relationship with cold; and some thrive. If you belong to the latter category of people, this list is curated just for you.
The coldest countries on Earth are generally found in the polar regions and high latitudes, where temperatures can plummet to extreme lows. These countries showcase the diverse climates within their borders, ranging from subarctic to Arctic conditions, with long, frigid winters and, in some cases, brief summers.
The extreme cold poses unique challenges and impacts the daily lives of the inhabitants in these regions.
Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world, and a significant part of its territory lies in the Arctic and subarctic regions. Siberia, in particular, is known for its extremely cold temperatures, with winters lasting for a large part of the year.
Canada
Canada is the second-largest country globally and has vast northern regions that experience harsh winters. The northern territories, such as Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, are known for their frigid temperatures.
Greenland
An autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is characterised by its icy landscapes and Arctic climate. Greenland's ice sheet is one of the largest in the world, contributing to its overall cold climate.
Norway
Norway, especially its northern regions, experiences cold temperatures, especially during the winter months. The country has a diverse climate due to its varied topography, but areas within the Arctic Circle can be extremely cold.
Sweden
Sweden's northernmost regions, including Lapland, have a subarctic climate with very cold winters. Inland areas can experience temperature extremes, with snow cover lasting for a significant part of the year.
Finland
Finland has a predominantly cold climate, with winter temperatures often dropping well below freezing. The northernmost parts of Finland, like Lapland, experience long, harsh winters with substantial snowfall.
Iceland
Despite its name, Iceland has a relatively milder climate compared to some other Arctic regions due to the influence of the North Atlantic Current. However, winter temperatures can still be quite cold, especially in the interior and northern areas.
Kazakhstan
Located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has vast steppe and desert regions, but its northern areas can experience extremely cold winters. The country's proximity to Siberia influences its climate, leading to subarctic conditions in some regions.
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