Many people know when winter is coming. They get their boots, coats and scarves out, and maybe look forward to the first snow with excitement. That’s the normal for most people. Then there are other places, like Minnesota and North Dakota, where you probably own several coats and heavy boots, and maybe you don’t look forward to temperatures that can at times drop below zero. But, that’s also normal. There is, however, one place in the world that is anything but normal when it comes to freezing temperatures. It’s called Oymyakon. This Siberian city is home to nearly 500 people and it also happens to be the world’s coldest inhabited place. Read on for 6 shocking facts about life in this town, where temperatures often stay below zero!
6. Your Toilet is in the Street
6. Your Toilet is in the Street
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With temperatures of -50 on any given day, it’s very difficult to dig plumbing. So what does this mean when nature calls? You’ll likely use an outhouse in the street to do your business. And no, the seats aren’t heated.
5. No Need to Thaw the Meat
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While it might be normal in many parts of the world to thaw frozen meat in preparation for dinner later in the day, it’s not in Oymyakon. Here it is common to eat frozen meat. In fact, the meat-sellers have no need for refridgeration; it all stays frozen anyway.
4. Literally One Stop Shopping
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Your long and leisure days at the mall would be long gone if you decide to move to Oymyakon. There’s only one shop in the whole town and it supplies everything all the basic necessities to the 500 residents. Who would care about the latest fashion anyway — it’s not like you’d ever get to wear it!
3. Burials are Hard Work
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Funerals are very hard in Oymyakon. It often takes up to three days to thaw the ground enough to dig a grave. Bonfires are lit, then a few inches of ground are dug. This is repeated every couple of hours for a few days before having a big enough hole for the burial.
2. No Mornings Here
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Being 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it is quite dark. Winter is the worst. For up to 21 hours a day, Oymyakon is dark and temperatures average -58 during those long, winter months.
1. Record-Breaking Temperatures
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When below zero is a fact of life and average temperature year around is -38, it’s hard to imagine that it can get much colder. But in 1933, Oymyakon went far beyond its lowest digits, reaching a record-breaking -90 degrees!
Source: lolwot.com