Jakarta – Some of the world’s most challenging environments are defined not by war or politics, but by temperature. In 2025, the top 10 coldest countries face average annual temperatures near or below freezing, with some regions dipping to as low as -70°C. From the Arctic Circle to the Pamir mountains, these nations must balance resilience, infrastructure, and strategic adaptation to survive—and thrive—in extreme cold.
Based on data from Trading Economics and compiled by World Atlas, here are the 10 coldest countries in the world by average surface temperature:
1. Canada (-2.89°C)
With vast subarctic and Arctic zones, Canada experiences brutal winters—particularly in the north where temperatures can drop below -40°C. CFS Alert, near the North Pole, is one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth. Despite population concentration in the south, Canada’s cold defines its identity and infrastructure.
2. Russia (-2.82°C)
Home to the coldest recorded settlement on Earth—Oymyakon in the Sakha Republic—Russia spans 11 time zones and stretches into the high Arctic. Two-thirds of the country lies in subarctic or polar climate zones. Extreme cold is embedded in its urban planning, transport networks, and geopolitical posture.
3. Iceland (1.77°C)
Though warmed by the Gulf Stream, Iceland remains one of the coldest countries due to its highlands and glacial interior. Geothermal energy sustains daily life in a landscape dominated by fire and ice, from volcanoes to frozen rivers and ice caves.
4. Mongolia (1.82°C)
Ulaanbaatar, the capital, is the world’s coldest capital city. Surrounded by steppes and mountains, the country faces dry, harsh winters with sub-zero storms known as zud, severely impacting its nomadic population and livestock-based economy.
5. Norway (2.28°C)
Stretching well into the Arctic Circle, Norway includes the Svalbard archipelago. Interior valleys experience -40°C winters, while the northern regions endure months of polar night. Yet Norway turns winter into a national asset—culturally, economically, and through renewable energy investments.
6. Finland (2.87°C)
Lapland in northern Finland sees temperatures fall below -45°C. Winter darkness and deep snow are balanced by strong public infrastructure, social cohesion, and cultural adaptation—like widespread use of saunas and winter commuting norms.
7. Sweden (3.38°C)
Northern Sweden, particularly Norrland, lies mostly above the Arctic Circle and endures long, severe winters. Advanced district heating systems, winter-proof railways, and a high-tech economy allow Sweden to maintain functionality amid deep freezes.
8. Kyrgyzstan (4.28°C)
With 80% of its territory above 1,500 meters, Kyrgyzstan’s mountain climate includes over 6,000 glaciers and long, frigid winters. Traditional yurts and nomadic resilience meet growing challenges from climate change and isolation.
9. Tajikistan (5.71°C)
Despite its southern latitude, Tajikistan’s Pamir and Alay ranges elevate it to one of the world’s coldest countries. Even in summer, high-altitude areas remain icy. Communities rely on centuries-old techniques for insulation and survival.
10. Estonia (6.94°C)
Located in northeastern Europe, Estonia sees temperatures plunge below -40°C during long, dark winters. Yet its digital infrastructure, efficient energy grid, and smart governance allow it to remain one of the most connected cold-weather countries in the world.
As climate volatility increases, these nations serve as examples of how strategic adaptation—through policy, innovation, and cultural alignment—can transform extreme environments into livable, even thriving, spaces.
