Oymyakon, the coldest inhabited place on planet Earth
Oymyakon is a town of about 500 inhabitants located in northeastern Russia, in the Republic of Sakha, near the Arctic Circle. It is known for being the coldest inhabited place on the planet, with a record temperature of -72.1°C recorded in 1926. Its name means «water that does not freeze», in reference to a nearby hot spring that was used by nomadic shepherds.
A very hard life
Life in Oymyakon is very hard due to the extreme climate. In winter, the day lasts only about 6 hours and the mercury in the thermometers freezes. Inhabitants have to heat car engines with torches or keep them running all the time to prevent them from breaking down.
Everything freezes
Pipes, ink and toilet paper also freeze if they are not kept at the right temperature. Domestic animals, such as cows and horses, have to live in heated barns. Even people’s eyelashes and tears freeze when they go outside.
Nothing can be grown in the soil
The diet of the inhabitants of Oymyakon is based mainly on horse meat, fish and dairy products, as they cannot grow anything due to the lack of soil and the short growing season. The typical dish is stroganina, which consists of raw fish shavings frozen in the open air. They also consume berries picked in summer and hot tea with milk. Some foods are kept underground or in natural caves to prevent them from freezing too much.
High adaptability and resistance to cold
The inhabitants of Oymyakon have a great capacity for adaptation and resistance to cold. They are biologically prepared to fight it, with a faster metabolism and higher body fat. They also have a culture and traditions that help them cope with the extreme conditions.
Hospitable and proud inhabitants
They are hospitable, supportive and proud of their people. They celebrate holidays such as the North Pole Day or the Day of the Rebirth of the Sun, when the sun reappears after a long period of darkness. They also practice sports such as skiing and ice hockey.
A breathtaking landscape
Despite the difficulties, Oymyakon also has its attractions and advantages. The village has a school, a post office, a store, a church and a museum. The scenery is breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains, birch forests and frozen lakes. The hot spring offers a place to relax and enjoy the thermal contrast. The village also receives some adventurous tourists who want to see the coldest inhabited place on earth and experience its way of life.
