What Is the Coldest Country in the World?

Dive into the fascinating world of extreme cold! Discover why Canada surpasses even Russia as the coldest country on Earth. Explore the factors that contribute to bone-chilling temperatures in Siberia, where towns like Oymyakon reach a staggering -67.7°F. Learn about the unique challenges faced by other frigid nations, including Finland, Mongolia, Iceland, and Norway. Journey through this chilling exploration of Earth’s coldest climates.
Important information

- Research suggests Canada is the coldest country in the world, experiencing colder average winter temperatures than Russia.
- Russia is the second coldest country, with Siberia experiencing extreme temperatures as low as -67.7°F (-55°C).
- Mongolia ranks as the third coldest country globally, with an average annual temperature barely above freezing.
- Other countries known for harsh winters include Finland, Iceland, Norway, Tajikistan, and Estonia.
- Factors contributing to Russia’s extreme cold include its high latitude, distance from the ocean, and Siberia’s vast landmass.
What Is the Coldest Country in the World?
Canada’s winters can be brutally cold, but it’s not the coldest country on Earth. While its vast territories extend toward the Arctic Circle, resulting in long, harsh winters and heavy snowfall in the northern regions, Canada also boasts milder climates. Coastal British Columbia, for instance, enjoys more temperate conditions. Therefore, Canada’s climate varies significantly, from frigid extremes to more moderate zones.
Top Coldest Countries and Their Characteristics
Many countries around the world experience extreme cold. From Canada’s varied climate to the brutal Siberian winters of Russia, frigid conditions are a reality for many nations. Other countries known for their harsh winters include:
- Finland,
- Mongolia,
- Iceland,
- Norway,
- Tajikistan, and
- Estonia.
These diverse countries highlight the global reach of extreme cold.
Canada: The Coldest Country
Canada’s northern winters are notoriously frigid, with temperatures plummeting to extremes. Surprisingly, research indicates Canada experiences even colder average winter temperatures than Russia.
Russia: Home to Siberia and Extreme Cold
Russia, the world’s second-coldest country, experiences incredibly harsh winters, especially in its massive Siberian region. Towns like Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk, nestled within Siberia, are among the coldest inhabited places on Earth. They regularly experience temperatures below -40°F (-40°C) and sometimes plummeting to a bone-chilling -67.7°F (-55°C).
This extreme cold results from:
- russia’s high latitude,
- distance from the moderating influence of the ocean,
- siberia’s vast landmass, which traps frigid air.
The reduced sunlight during the winter months further intensifies these icy conditions.
Finland: Long Winter Season and Extreme Cold
Finland experiences long, severe winters with plummeting temperatures, making it one of the coldest countries in the world.
Mongolia: Frigid Winter Temperatures
Mongolia is known for its exceptionally frigid temperatures, ranking as the world’s third-coldest country. With an average annual temperature barely above freezing, the country experiences notoriously harsh winters.