The coldest countries in the world

From the vast expanses of frozen tundra to the shimmering ice caps, the world is home to some of the most frigid and inhospitable places. These countries boast breathtaking landscapes sculpted by frost and snow, where temperatures rise to unimaginable lows. Let's embark on a journey to discover the coldest countries on Earth, where winter's icy grip holds sway year-round.

1. Russia: Covering an immense expanse of northern Eurasia, Russia is known for its extreme winter conditions. Siberia, the largest region in Russia, experiences bone-chilling temperatures that can drop well below -50°C (-58°F). Cities like Yakutsk, located in the Sakha Republic, are notorious for their freezing winters, making them some of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.

2. Canada: The second-largest country in the world, Canada, is renowned for its Arctic climate. Northern territories such as Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories face extended periods of subzero temperatures. The village of Snag, Yukon, recorded the lowest temperature ever in North America at -63°C (-81.4°F) in 1947, highlighting the severity of Canada's winter chill.

3. Greenland: Despite its name, much of Greenland is covered in ice, making it one of the coldest countries in the world. With vast ice sheets dominating the landscape, temperatures frequently plunge below freezing even in summer. The Greenland Ice Sheet, the second-largest ice body in the world, blankets much of the country, creating a harsh environment for its inhabitants.

4. Iceland: Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Despite its relatively moderate temperatures compared to other Arctic regions, Iceland still endures freezing conditions, especially in its interior regions. Glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal springs define Iceland's unique icy terrain.

5. Norway: Norway, with its stunning fjords and mountainous terrain, is another contender for the coldest countries in the world. Northern regions such as Tromsø and Svalbard endure long, dark winters with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is particularly noteworthy, with its polar desert climate and average temperatures hovering around -15°C (5°F) in winter.

6. Sweden: Sharing borders with Norway and Finland, Sweden experiences harsh winter conditions, especially in its northernmost regions. Cities like Kiruna and Abisko witness bitterly cold winters, with temperatures often plunging to -30°C (-22°F) or lower. Sweden's Lapland region offers visitors a chance to experience the magic of the Northern Lights amidst a snow-covered landscape.

7. Finland: Known as the land of a thousand lakes, Finland is also one of the coldest countries in the world. With vast stretches of forests and numerous lakes, Finland's climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Arctic Circle. Lapland, in northern Finland, experiences subarctic conditions, with temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F) or colder during winter months.