Where and what is Yakutsk?

Yakutsk is the capital city of the Sakha Republic (also called Yakutia), located in eastern Siberia, Russia. It is the largest city in the world built on permafrost, a permanently frozen layer of soil.

Location and Climate:

- Yakutsk is situated on the Lena River, approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) northeast of Irkutsk and 4,850 kilometers (3,013 miles) east of Moscow.

- Yakutsk is known for its extreme climate, with long and brutally cold winters and short, relatively mild summers.

- The average temperature in January is -38.6°C (-37.5°F), making Yakutsk one of the coldest cities in the world. Temperatures can drop as low as -60°C (-76°F) or even lower.

- The average temperature in July is 19.5°C (67.1°F). During this time, there is almost 24-hour daylight due to Yakutsk's location north of the Arctic Circle.

History:

- Yakutsk was founded in 1632 by a Russian Cossack named Pyotr Beketov. It served as a fort and a trading post for fur trappers and merchants.

- In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Yakutsk became a center for political exile, and many prominent revolutionaries and intellectuals were sent there.

- During the Soviet era, Yakutsk experienced significant industrial development, including the establishment of diamond mining and gold mining in the surrounding areas.

Population and Economy:

- Yakutsk has a population of approximately 295,000 people (as of 2020). The majority of the population is ethnic Yakuts, with smaller populations of Russians, Ukrainians, and other ethnic groups.

- The city's economy is based on mining (diamonds and gold), transportation (river port, airport), the fur industry, and construction.

Transportation and Infrastructure:

- Yakutsk is served by the Yakutsk Airport, which connects it to other cities in Russia and international destinations.

- Navigation on the Lena River is crucial for transporting freight during the summer months, when the river is ice-free.

- The city also has a network of roads, although many of them are unpaved and challenging to navigate, especially during the winter.

Challenges:

- Yakutsk faces significant challenges due to its extreme climate and permafrost conditions, which impact infrastructure and construction.

- Permafrost makes it challenging to build foundations for structures and can lead to uneven settling of buildings over time.

- Additionally, the cold temperatures and harsh weather can make living conditions challenging, particularly during the winter months.

Despite these challenges, Yakutsk is a city that has managed to thrive and adapt to its unique environment, providing a glimpse into life in one of the most extreme climates on earth.