Living in the Cold: A Day in the Life of Residents in Oymyakon, Russia

Deep in the frozen heart of Siberia lies Oymyakon, currently the coldest permanently inhabited human settlement on Earth. This remote village in Russia’s Sakha Republic represents one of the most extreme environments where humans have chosen to make their home. On 6 February 1933, a temperature of −67.7 °C (−89.9 °F) was recorded at Oymyakon’s weather station, and there is a monument built around the town square commemorating an unofficial reading in January 1924 of −71.2 °C (−96.2 °F). For the approximately 500 residents who call this place home, surviving in such brutal conditions requires extraordinary resilience, ingenuity, and an unbreakable community spirit.

Life in Oymyakon is not merely about enduring the cold—it’s about thriving despite it. The residents have developed unique adaptations, from specialized clothing and heating systems to traditional diets and cultural practices that have sustained them for generations. This article explores what daily life looks like in the coldest inhabited place on Earth, revealing the remarkable ways humans can adapt to even the most inhospitable environments.

Understanding Oymyakon: Geography and Climate

Location and Geographic Features

Oymyakon is a rural locality (a selo) in Oymyakonsky District of the Sakha Republic, Russia, located in the Yana-Oymyakon Highlands, along the Indigirka River, 30 km (19 mi) northwest of Tomtor on the Kolyma Highway. The village sits approximately 350 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, positioned in a valley that plays a crucial role in creating its extreme climate.

The station is at 750 m (2,460 ft) above sea level and the surrounding mountains, at 1,100 m (3,600 ft), cause cold air to pool in the valley: in fact, recent studies show that winter temperatures in the area increase with altitude by as much as 10 °C (18 °F). This geographic feature creates what meteorologists call a “cold trap,” where frigid air sinks into the valley and becomes trapped by the surrounding mountains.

Why Is Oymyakon So Cold?

Several factors combine to make Oymyakon exceptionally cold. The reason Oymyakon is so cold is due to the fact that the village is surrounded by mountains trapping cold air and not allowing warm winds to come. Additionally, Oymyakon only receives around a few hours of daylight in the winter, accounting for the extremely low temperatures in the winter.

The distance from moderating oceanic influences also plays a significant role. Unlike coastal regions that benefit from the warming effects of ocean currents, Oymyakon’s continental location means it experiences extreme temperature variations between seasons. On 28 July 2010, Oymyakon recorded a record high temperature of 34.6 °C (94.3 °F), yielding a temperature range of 102.3 °C (184.1 °F), making it one of the places with the most extreme temperature swings on the planet.

The Pole of Cold

With an extreme subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification Dfd, Trewartha climate classification Ecle), Oymyakon is known as one of the places considered the Northern Pole of Cold, the other being the town of Verkhoyansk, located 629 km (391 mi) away by air. This designation reflects its status as one of the coldest inhabited locations in the Northern Hemisphere.

In Oymyakon sometimes the average minimum temperature for December, January, and February falls below −50 °C (−58 °F): in the record coldest month of January 1931 the monthly mean was −54.1 °C (−65.4 °F). These aren’t just occasional cold snaps—they represent the normal winter conditions that residents must navigate for months on end.

Morning Routine in Extreme Cold

Waking Up in a Frozen World

The day in Oymyakon begins in darkness for much of the winter. During the coldest months, the sun rises late and sets early, with the night is 21 hours long at its longest. Residents wake to a world where every surface is covered in thick frost and ice, and the air itself seems to crackle with cold.

The first task of the morning often involves checking the temperature. This isn’t mere curiosity—it’s a practical necessity that determines what activities are possible that day and what precautions must be taken. When temperatures drop to their most extreme levels, even routine tasks become dangerous undertakings that require careful planning.

Heating Systems and Staying Warm

Most homes in Oymyakon still burn coal and wood for heat and enjoy few modern conveniences, some homes have outside toilets. The heating infrastructure in the village is a mix of traditional and modern systems. The plant works through the day and night to pump hot water through the pipes of the village, providing centralized heating to some buildings.

For individual homes, many of the region’s 305 homes burn more than 100 cubic meters of wood per year to maintain a bearable temperature. Wood-burning stoves and coal heaters must be constantly monitored and fed to maintain livable indoor temperatures. These stoves are often fueled by wood or coal, and residents must constantly monitor the heat levels to ensure they don’t drop below survivable temperatures.

Every structure in Oymyakon is built on underground stilts to counter the instability of the permafrost that runs 13 feet deep. This construction method prevents the heat from buildings from thawing the permafrost beneath them, which would cause structural instability and potential collapse.

Dressing for Survival

Clothing in Oymyakon is not about fashion—it’s about survival. Residents wear multiple layers of specialized cold-weather gear, with traditional materials playing a crucial role. Fur-lined boots, thick hats that cover the ears and much of the face, and heavy gloves are essential equipment for anyone venturing outside.

Traditional clothing made from reindeer skin provides exceptional insulation. The layering principle is critical, with residents wearing several layers that trap warm air between them. Residents cannot wear glasses outside as they will instantly freeze to one’s face, illustrating just how extreme the conditions can be.

Daily Activities and Challenges

Water and Sanitation

One of the most significant daily challenges in Oymyakon involves accessing water. Unused pipes can freeze in a matter of hours, so many of the village’s bathrooms are outhouses without plumbing. The extreme cold makes conventional indoor plumbing nearly impossible in many homes, as water in pipes would freeze solid within hours if not constantly heated.

Residents have developed creative solutions to this problem. Some melt snow for water, while others use specially insulated containers to transport water from communal sources. A nearby thermal spring remains just unfrozen enough for farmers to bring their livestock to drink, providing a vital water source even in the depths of winter.

The name Oymyakon itself reflects this relationship with water. The settlement is named after the Oymyakon River, whose name reportedly comes from the Even word kheium, meaning “unfrozen patch of water; place where fish spend the winter”—an ironic name for the coldest inhabited place on Earth.

Transportation and Vehicles

Getting around in Oymyakon presents unique challenges. Cars, for instance, must be kept running constantly, as engines freeze almost instantly when turned off. If a vehicle stops, it could be several hours before it warms up again, which is not an option when you must get from one place to another.

Oymyakon is so cold that cars left outside need to be kept running. Many residents keep their vehicles in heated garages when possible, but for those without this luxury, leaving the engine running all day and night is the only option. Even with these precautions, the driveshafts sometimes freeze.

The journey to Oymyakon itself is an adventure. It is a two-day drive from Oymyakon to the nearest airport in Yakutsk, and the route follows the infamous Kolyma Highway, also known as the “Road of Bones” due to its grim history during the Soviet era.

Agriculture and Livestock

Traditional farming is virtually impossible in Oymyakon’s climate. With a day that varies from three hours in the winter to 21 hours in the summer and permanently frozen ground due to the extreme subarctic climate, the roughly 500 residents of Oymyakon are mostly unable to grow crops, therefore their diet basically consists of reindeer and horse meat.

Due to the harsh conditions, the ground is permanently frozen (continuous permafrost), making it impossible to cultivate crops in the traditional sense. However, around 500 Siberian people make their homes in this seemingly uninhabitable environment, mainly engaged in traditional occupations such as reindeer herding, hunting and fishing.

Livestock that can survive in these conditions require special care. However, winters are so severe that even these animals, which can withstand low temperatures, They must be sheltered in insulated stables when temperatures drop below -30 °C. Evdakia, a 63-year-old farmer, is responsible for feeding her 47 cows inside a barn where the temperature varies between -10°C and -15°C.

Food and Traditional Diet

Staple Foods and Nutrition

The diet in Oymyakon is necessarily high in protein and fat to help residents maintain their body temperature and energy levels in the extreme cold. The traditional diet in Oymyakon is rich in protein and fat, essential for sustaining energy in the cold. Staples include reindeer meat, raw fish known as “stroganina”, and kumys, a fermented mare’s milk beverage.

The diet includes a lot of fatty meats, including reindeer, elk, and other local game, as well as fish. These foods are rich in protein and fat, which help sustain energy levels and keep the body warm in the frigid environment. The high-fat content is not just a preference—it’s a physiological necessity for surviving in such cold conditions.

Reindeer meat is a staple, as is fish. Sometimes chunks of frozen horse blood also find their way into meals. These traditional foods have sustained the indigenous peoples of this region for centuries and continue to form the backbone of the local diet.

Food Preservation and Storage

In Oymyakon, refrigeration is never a problem—the entire environment serves as a natural freezer for much of the year. In Oymyakon, a remote village in Siberia, people primarily rely on traditional diets that include fish, game, and reindeer. Due to the harsh climate, preservation methods like smoking, drying, and pickling are common to store food for the long winters.

The extreme cold allows for unique preservation methods. Fish can be frozen solid immediately after being caught and stored outside without any special equipment. Meat can be preserved in its frozen state for months, providing a reliable food supply throughout the long winter.

Food Supply and Shopping

No farming takes place and there is only a single shop to provide all of the town’s food and material supplies. This single store must stock everything the community needs, with supplies brought in from distant towns via the treacherous Kolyma Highway.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are rare luxuries in Oymyakon. The growing season in Oymyakon is so short; people don’t often eat many fruits or vegetables. When produce is available, it’s typically imported from other regions at considerable expense and effort.

Education in the Extreme Cold

School Attendance Policies

Perhaps nothing illustrates the resilience of Oymyakon’s residents better than their approach to education. In Oymyakon, that’s pretty much standard procedure, as the one school in the rural locality only closes when temperatures drop under -52° Celsius. Children older than 11 have to be even tougher, as they get to stay home only when the temperature drops under -56° Celsius.

Schools are closed if it is colder than −55 °C (−67 °F), but this threshold is rarely reached. For comparison, the children of Oymyakon are stuck in class unless the temperature falls below –52 degrees Celsius (–61.6 degrees Fahrenheit), meaning that students attend school in conditions that would seem unimaginable to children in most other parts of the world.

The Journey to School

Local kids walk to school with their parents and often with dogs, too; pupils from other villages have to take a bus to get here. The bus ride takes from 10 to 18 minutes. For children living in the village, the walk to school is a serious undertaking that requires proper preparation and often parental accompaniment.

In December, the sun rises at around 10am in Oymyakon, so at 9am, when school starts, it’s still dark outside, and the temperature is really low. The kids stay at school until 5pm, about three hours after the sun sets, so they have to brave extremely low temperatures on their way back home as well. This means children are traveling to and from school in complete darkness during the coldest part of the day.

School Facilities and Education

Remarkably, schools in Oymyakon remain operational unless temperatures drop below −52°C (−61.6°F). Classrooms are equipped with robust heating systems, and students are accustomed to braving the cold, dressed in multiple layers to ensure warmth during their commute.

In Oymyakon, the local school, which has just 107 students, is a hub of activity and learning for the region’s youth. The classrooms are small and students, as in other aspects of life, must adapt to the cold conditions of the environment. Many arrive bundled up in thick coats and kamous boots, a Yakut tradition using the skin of reindeer hooves.

Education is highly valued in Oymyakon, as it represents the best path to future opportunities. Parents understand that without education, their children’s options will be severely limited in an already challenging environment.

Community Life and Culture

The People of Oymyakon

Known as “The Pole of Cold,” Oymyakon is the coldest populated region on Earth and claims only 500 full-time residents. Most of these residents are Indigenous people known as the Yakuts, but some ethnic Russians and Ukrainians also live in the area.

During the Soviet era, the government convinced many laborers to move to the region by promising them high wages for working in a harsh climate. This influx of workers during the Soviet period added to the indigenous population, creating the diverse community that exists today.

Social Life and Community Bonds

In such an extreme environment, community support is not just helpful—it’s essential for survival. Community ties are strong, with neighbors helping each other during fuel shortages or emergencies. Life here is about cooperation and resilience.

Evenings in Oymyakon are spent largely indoors, where families and friends gather around stoves and heaters. These social gatherings serve multiple purposes: they conserve heat by bringing people together in one space, they strengthen community bonds, and they provide entertainment and companionship during the long, dark winter months.

Despite the hardships, the people of Oymyakon have adapted in remarkable ways. Traditional customs remain strong, and locals celebrate their resilience with winter festivals and cultural events.

Cultural Traditions and Festivals

The Oymyakon culture is a mix of Siberian traditions and practical adaptations to survive at the “Pole of Cold.” The mythical figure of Chyskhaan, the “Lord of the Cold” in Yakut folklore, is revered as the guardian of these frozen lands. The Chyskhaan Cave, now a museum, exhibits ice sculptures that celebrate the artistic ingenuity and resilience of the inhabitants.

At the end of the winter, the Yakutians celebrate a “Cold Pole Festival” hosted by Chyskhaan, their Lord of Frost. The festival includes reindeer races, dog sledding and ice fishing. These celebrations mark the end of the harshest part of winter and celebrate the community’s survival through another brutal season.

Most inhabitants of Oymyakon are either Orthodox Christians or non-religious. Aiyy Faith and Shamanism also have a presence in the area, reflecting the blend of traditional indigenous beliefs and later religious influences.

Health and Medical Considerations

Physical Effects of Extreme Cold

Living in such extreme cold takes a toll on the human body. Frostbite and hypothermia are constant risks for anyone who spends time outdoors without proper protection. Even brief exposure to the coldest temperatures can cause serious injury.

The cold affects every aspect of daily life. Breathing the frigid air can be painful, as the extreme cold can damage lung tissue. Residents learn to breathe through scarves or other face coverings to warm the air slightly before it enters their lungs.

Eyelashes and facial hair can freeze within seconds of stepping outside. Moisture from breath instantly crystallizes, creating clouds of ice crystals around people’s faces. These aren’t just uncomfortable inconveniences—they’re daily realities that residents must navigate.

Adaptation and Resilience

Over generations, the people of Oymyakon have developed both cultural and potentially physiological adaptations to their environment. The region offers researchers a unique opportunity to study human adaptation to extreme cold, permafrost, and even survival strategies for space exploration. For example, scientists have studied how the human body copes with such freezing temperatures and what mechanisms humans can employ to survive in space, where the conditions can be similarly harsh.

The high-fat diet, constant physical activity required for daily tasks, and generations of living in this environment may have contributed to physiological adaptations that help residents cope with the cold better than newcomers could.

Modern Life and Infrastructure

Technology and Communication

Mobile phone service is not available, and even if it was phones wouldn’t be able to function in those temperatures. This isolation from modern communication technology means that Oymyakon remains relatively cut off from the outside world, especially during the winter months.

However, the village is not completely without modern amenities. Progress in Oymyakon is slow; in 2008 the town’s school received its first indoor toilet, showing that gradual improvements in infrastructure do occur, albeit slowly.

Economic Activities

To earn living, they work as reindeer-breeders, hunters and ice-fisherman. These traditional occupations remain the primary means of livelihood for many residents, though in the last few years, another small, specialised industry has emerged here – tourism.

The region’s natural resources also play a role in the economy. The broader Sakha Republic is rich in diamonds and gold, though mining operations in the immediate vicinity of Oymyakon are limited by the extreme conditions.

Housing and Construction

With a population of about 500, residents live in wooden houses equipped with coal-burning stoves and thick insulation. Central heating and indoor plumbing are luxuries that most homes do not possess.

The homes in Oymyakon are built to keep warmth in and the bitter cold out. Most dwellings are small, compact, and made from wood or brick, designed to minimize heat loss. The construction techniques used in Oymyakon have been refined over generations to maximize heat retention while maintaining structural integrity in the face of extreme temperature fluctuations.

Tourism in the Coldest Place on Earth

Visiting Oymyakon

Oymyakon has garnered interest from adventurous travelers seeking to experience life in extreme conditions. Tour operators offer experiences such as dog sledding, ice fishing, and visits to the “Pole of Cold” monument, which commemorates the record low temperature. Tourists can also engage with local families, gaining insight into their daily routines and survival strategies.

About 1,000 brave travelers visit this tundra every year in search of adventure. These visitors come to experience what life is like at the extreme edge of human habitation and to test their own limits against the brutal cold.

Tourist Experiences

Area-specific activities such as reindeer hunts, ice fishing and the juxtaposition of enjoying the hot springs when the temperatures are in the minus-fifties are available to those who would like to experience this opposite of a tropical vacation spot.

Tourism in Oymyakon is not for the faint-hearted. Visitors must be prepared for the physical challenges posed by the cold, including the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Proper gear, such as thermal clothing and specialized equipment, is essential.

Oymyakon has no hotels or restaurants, overnight visitors must arrange homestays with local residents, providing an intimate look at daily life in the village while also presenting logistical challenges for visitors.

Climate Change and the Future

Warming Trends in the Coldest Place

Even Oymyakon is not immune to global climate change. As the world grapples with climate change, even Oymyakon—one of the coldest places on Earth—is experiencing its effects. In recent years, scientists have observed gradual temperature shifts in the region, leading to concerns about permafrost melting.

In recent years, however, Siberia has experienced rapid climate change. While Oymyakon remains one of the coldest places on Earth, parts of Yakutia have recorded record-breaking heatwaves, including temperatures reaching 38°C (100°F) in the summer of 2021. These extreme temperature swings, while not unprecedented, appear to be becoming more common.

Threats to Traditional Life

Climate change poses a significant threat to Oymyakon’s delicate ecosystem. Thawing permafrost can lead to ground instability, affecting infrastructure and releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, shifts in temperature patterns may impact traditional hunting and herding practices, challenging the community’s way of life.

The permafrost that has remained frozen for thousands of years is beginning to thaw in some areas, threatening the stability of buildings constructed on stilts and potentially disrupting the delicate balance that has allowed human habitation in this extreme environment.

Adaptation and Resilience

The people of Oymyakon have demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout their history, and they continue to adapt to changing conditions. Despite these looming challenges, the people of Oymyakon, known for their resilience and ingenuity, continue to adapt, proving that even in the world’s harshest climates, human endurance knows no limits.

Comparing Oymyakon to Other Cold Places

Verkhoyansk: The Other Pole of Cold

Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk are the only two permanently inhabited places in the world that have recorded temperatures below −60 °C (−76 °F) for every day in January. These two Siberian settlements compete for the title of coldest inhabited place, with both experiencing similarly extreme conditions.

Yakutsk: The Coldest City

The coldest city in the world is Yakutsk in Siberia, Russia. A record low temperature was recorded in the city on 5 February 1891 at -64.4°C (-83.9°F). During January, the average low temperature is -42°C (-43.6°F), with the city getting less than four hours of sunlight per day.

While Yakutsk is significantly larger than Oymyakon, with a population of 355,000 people, it still experiences extreme cold that would be unimaginable to most people. The city serves as the regional capital and the gateway for travelers heading to Oymyakon.

Antarctica: The Ultimate Cold

Only Antarctica and Greenland have recorded lower official temperatures (the lowest being −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F), recorded at Vostok Station on 21 July 1983). However, these locations are research stations, not permanent settlements with families and communities like Oymyakon.

Lessons from Life in Extreme Cold

Human Adaptability

Oymyakon stands as a testament to human adaptability and resilience. The fact that people not only survive but maintain communities, raise families, and preserve cultural traditions in such an extreme environment demonstrates the remarkable capacity of humans to adapt to almost any conditions.

Oymyakon stands as a testament to human resilience and adaptability. Its residents have honed their lifestyles to not only survive but thrive in one of the planet’s most inhospitable environments. The village’s unique cultural heritage, coupled with its extreme climate, continues to captivate the imagination of people worldwide, offering profound lessons on endurance, community, and the intricate relationship between humans and nature.

The Importance of Community

Perhaps the most important lesson from Oymyakon is the critical role of community in survival. In an environment where individual survival is challenging, the strong social bonds and mutual support systems that residents have developed are essential. Neighbors help each other with fuel, food, and other necessities, understanding that everyone’s survival depends on the community functioning as a whole.

Traditional Knowledge and Modern Challenges

The traditional knowledge passed down through generations—from clothing construction to food preservation to reading weather signs—remains vital for survival in Oymyakon. At the same time, residents must balance this traditional knowledge with modern realities and challenges, including climate change, economic pressures, and the desire for improved living standards.

Practical Aspects of Daily Survival

Clothing and Protection

The clothing worn in Oymyakon represents centuries of refinement in cold-weather gear. Traditional materials like reindeer fur provide exceptional insulation, while modern synthetic materials are incorporated where they offer advantages. The layering system used by residents creates multiple barriers against the cold, trapping warm air and preventing heat loss.

Every piece of clothing serves a specific purpose. Boots must be thick enough to insulate against the frozen ground while remaining flexible enough to walk in. Gloves must protect the hands while allowing enough dexterity to perform necessary tasks. Face coverings must protect against frostbite while allowing breathing and vision.

Food and Energy

The high-calorie, high-fat diet consumed in Oymyakon is not a choice but a necessity. The human body burns significantly more calories maintaining core temperature in extreme cold, and residents must consume enough food to fuel this increased metabolic demand.

Traditional foods like stroganina (frozen raw fish), reindeer meat, and fermented mare’s milk provide the necessary calories and nutrients. These foods are also well-suited to the environment, as they can be preserved naturally in the cold and require minimal preparation.

Time Management and Planning

Every activity in Oymyakon requires careful planning. Simple tasks that would take minutes in a temperate climate can take hours when accounting for the need to dress properly, warm up vehicles, and work in extreme cold. Residents must plan their days carefully, grouping outdoor tasks together to minimize exposure and ensuring they have backup plans if conditions worsen.

The Psychological Aspects of Extreme Living

Mental Health and Isolation

Living in Oymyakon presents psychological challenges as well as physical ones. The long, dark winters with minimal sunlight can affect mood and mental health. The isolation from the outside world, limited communication technology, and small population can create feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

However, the strong community bonds and shared cultural identity help mitigate these challenges. The knowledge that everyone is facing the same difficulties creates a sense of solidarity and mutual support that helps residents maintain their mental health through the darkest months.

Pride and Identity

For many residents of Oymyakon, living in the coldest inhabited place on Earth is a source of pride. Their ability to thrive in conditions that would defeat most people gives them a strong sense of identity and accomplishment. This pride in their resilience and adaptability helps sustain them through the hardest times.

Looking to the Future

Challenges Ahead

Oymyakon faces numerous challenges in the coming years. Climate change threatens to disrupt the delicate balance that has allowed human habitation. Economic pressures and the lure of easier living conditions in warmer regions may draw young people away, threatening the community’s long-term viability.

Infrastructure improvements are needed but difficult to implement in such extreme conditions. Balancing the desire for modern conveniences with the practical limitations imposed by the climate remains an ongoing challenge.

Reasons for Hope

Despite these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. The growing tourism industry provides new economic opportunities while also raising awareness of Oymyakon’s unique culture and environment. Technological advances may make life easier without requiring residents to abandon their traditional way of life.

Most importantly, the resilience and adaptability that have sustained the community for generations continue to serve them well. The people of Oymyakon have faced and overcome countless challenges throughout their history, and there’s every reason to believe they will continue to do so.

Conclusion: Life at the Edge

Oymyakon represents life at the extreme edge of human habitation. The approximately 500 residents who call this frozen village home demonstrate daily that humans can adapt to and thrive in almost any environment on Earth. Their lives are shaped by the extreme cold in every way, from the clothes they wear to the food they eat to the way they structure their communities.

The lessons from Oymyakon extend far beyond the village itself. In an era of climate change and environmental challenges, the adaptability, resilience, and community spirit demonstrated by Oymyakon’s residents offer valuable insights. They show us that humans can survive and maintain their humanity even in the harshest conditions, that traditional knowledge remains valuable in the modern world, and that strong communities are essential for overcoming extreme challenges.

For visitors and observers, Oymyakon offers a glimpse into a way of life that seems almost impossible. It challenges our assumptions about what humans can endure and adapt to. It reminds us of the incredible diversity of human experience and the many different ways people have found to make a home on this planet.

As we face global challenges including climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation, the example of Oymyakon—where people have created sustainable communities in one of Earth’s most inhospitable environments—offers both inspiration and practical lessons. The ingenuity, cooperation, and determination that allow life to flourish in the coldest inhabited place on Earth may hold keys to addressing the challenges that face all of humanity.

Whether Oymyakon continues to be inhabited in the coming decades will depend on many factors, from climate change to economic opportunities to the choices of future generations. But for now, this remarkable village stands as a testament to human resilience, adaptability, and the unbreakable human spirit that allows us to make a home even in the most extreme corners of our planet.

For those interested in learning more about extreme climates and human adaptation, resources like National Geographic and Smithsonian Magazine offer extensive coverage of Oymyakon and similar environments. The NOAA Arctic Research Program provides scientific information about Arctic and subarctic regions, while Encyclopedia Britannica offers detailed geographical and cultural information about the Sakha Republic and its inhabitants.