Average Temperature Plunges to Record Lows in the World’s Chillest Nation

The Coldest Countries in the World: A Look at Average Temperatures

1. The Top 10 Coldest Countries in the World

When it comes to extreme cold, some countries take the cake. From the frozen tundra of Canada to the icy mountains of Tajikistan, these countries are consistently below freezing on average.

According to data from the World Bank, which tracks temperatures by country over a 10-year period (2012-2022), here’s who makes the cut:

The Coldest Countries in the World

1. Canada: With its vast stretches of tundra and boreal forest, Canada is the coldest country in the world. Long, brutally cold winters bring average temperatures well below freezing.

2. Finland: Finland’s winters are no joke, with temperatures dipping as low as 22 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) in some areas.

3. Kyrgyzstan: This central Asian country has a unique topography that creates wide temperature variations. While the lower-lying regions can be hot, the northern regions experience extremely cold winters.

4. Norway: Norway’s northern regions are among the coldest in Europe, with temperatures often far below freezing during the winter months.

5. Sweden: Sweden’s severe winters are a hallmark of its climate, although regional differences play a significant role.

The Rest of the Pack

1. Kyrgyzstan (tied with Finland): Like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan experiences extreme temperature variations due to its unique geography.

2. Tajikistan: This central Asian country’s cold winters push it towards the colder end of the spectrum, despite warmer regions in the south.

3. Estonia: Estonia has a milder climate than many of its neighbors, thanks to the moderating effect of Atlantic Ocean currents.

Calculating Average Annual Temperature

To determine the coldest countries, we looked at average yearly temperature, also known as mean temperature. This is a simple calculation that takes into account all monthly temperatures (or daily temperatures) and divides by the number of readings.

What Influences a Country’s Temperature?

Two factors play a major role in determining a country’s average year-round temperature:

1. Elevation: Generally, the higher above sea level, the colder a place will be.

2. Latitude: In the Northern Hemisphere, countries closer to the North Pole tend to experience lower temperatures during the winter months.

By understanding these factors and looking at average temperatures over time, we get a clear picture of which countries are consistently the coldest.