Not all cold regions of Russia are geographically located in the north. However, due to the landscape’s particularities, many areas have such a harsh climate that they are classified as part of the Far North. 1. The Far North occupies 2/3 of Russia’s territory The concept of the Far North appeared in the Soviet Union in the 1930s to designate remote regions with harsh living conditions. Most of these areas are on permafrost, have infertile soils, and experience severe winters. But the main criterion is inaccessibility and the lack of year-round communication with other regions. Locals often joke, “there are no roads, only directions.” Geographically, these areas include the Arctic Circle and the Far East. However, legally, the Far North includes much more territory, not just in the north: parts of the Urals and southern Siberia, such as Tuva and Altai, are also included. Moreover, there are areas equivalent to the Far North. Together, these regions cover about 70% of the entire country. 2. The Far North is sparsely populated Despite its vast area, the Far North is home to fewer than 12 million Russians, which is only 7% of the country’s population. Interestingly, many indigenous ethnic groups live here, including the Pomors, Yakuts, Tuvans, and others, who often maintain the same traditional lifestyle as they did hundreds of years ago. 3. The government ensures the “northern supply” The designation of Far North territories was necessary to solve supply issues. Each year, before the winter season, the state organizes the “northern supply,” delivering fuel, medicines, food, and other goods to these regions, most often by air or water. 4. Living in the Far North is expensive Farming is difficult due to the soil, and bad weather often limits deliveries from other regions. As a result, the cheapest thing here is housing. Cheese costs twice as much as in central Russia, eggs three times more, and fruits and vegetables are 4-5 times more expensive. However, game meat and fish, which are rare in other parts of Russia, are relatively inexpensive in the Far North. 5. Bright-colored buildings combat depression In many cities in the Far North, there is a tradition of painting apartment buildings in bright colors. Where sunlight and vegetation are scarce, orange, yellow, and pink buildings help lift people’s spirits. 6. Long vacations and early retirement In Soviet times, benefits for those working in the Far North were established in 1932 and revised several times. Today, those working in the Far North receive an additional 24 days of vacation (in addition to the standard 28 days), and in areas equivalent to the Far North — 16 extra days. Once every two years, the company covers vacation costs, and travel time is not deducted. If a person has worked more than 15 years in the Far North, they are entitled to retire 5 years earlier than other Russians (55 for women and 60 for men). In equivalent regions, 20 years of work are required to gain this right. 7. Far North residents are used to harsh conditions For people who have lived all their lives in southern latitudes, it can be tough to adjust to cold, windy winters and the absence of sunlight. However, for native Far North residents, these conditions are not particularly stressful. A few years ago, scientists in Yakutia found that the bodies of indigenous northern peoples adapt relatively quickly to the polar night and harsh climate.