Coldest Country on Earth: Antarctica (Continent/Nation Status Clarified)

Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth, with an average temperature of −57°C (−71°F).

• Record low: −89.2°C (−128.6°F) at Vostok Station (July 21, 1983).
• Ice sheet average thickness: 2,160 m (7,100 ft).
• Fifth-largest continent; 98% ice-covered.

Note: Antarctica is a continent, not a sovereign country. It has no permanent population or government (governed by Antarctic Treaty System). Among sovereign nations, Russia (specifically Siberia) and Canada have the coldest inhabited territories.