Geography
Human Settlements in Harsh Environments
Did you know that the town of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway, is one of the northernmost human settlements in the world, just 650 miles from the North Pole?
Despite its harsh Arctic environment, over 2,000 residents call this chilly town home, where temperatures can plummet to −30°C (−22°F) during winter.
A fascinating aspect of life there is the polar night and midnight sun phenomena.
From mid-November to late January, the sun never rises, enveloping the town in complete darkness for weeks.
Conversely, from mid-April to mid-August, the sun never sets, bathing Longyearbyen in continuous daylight.
To adapt to these extreme conditions, the community has developed unique practices, including a ban on burials due to permafrost, and residents often carry rifles outside town due to polar bears.
These remarkable adaptations highlight human resilience and ingenuity in thriving under some of the planet’s most challenging conditions.
How did you do on the quiz? Share your results and thoughts in the comments below!
