The Place in the World Where Dying Is Banned

It may sound unbelievable, but there is actually a place in the world where dying is banned by law. This unusual location is Longyearbyen, a small town in the Arctic region of Svalbard, Norway.

The reason behind this ban is not superstition or tradition, but science and public health. Longyearbyen has an extreme polar climate. The ground stays frozen almost all year, and even in summer, it thaws only on the surface. This means that bodies buried here do not decompose. Instead, they remain preserved in the permafrost for decades sometimes even for centuries.

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In the 1930s, researchers discovered something alarming. Corpses buried in Longyearbyen still carried old viruses, including the deadly Spanish flu virus from the early 20th century. These frozen pathogens could, in theory, infect people again if they were released.

To prevent such risks, the Norwegian government passed a law in the 1950s banning burials in Longyearbyen. Since then, anyone who becomes seriously ill or is close to death must be transferred to mainland Norway or another location for care and if necessary, burial.

Longyearbyen is not only famous for its no-death policy. It is also known for its unique sunlight pattern: for six months of the year, the sun never sets (midnight sun), and for the other six months, it never rises (polar night). This dramatic cycle, combined with its icy landscapes and wildlife like polar bears, makes it a fascinating yet challenging place to live.

This Arctic settlement is home to a small population, many of whom are researchers, miners, or tourism workers. Despite its beauty and unique laws, life here is not for the faint of heart. The cold, isolation, and strict rules make Longyearbyen one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

FAQs

1. Where is the place where dying is banned?
It is Longyearbyen, a town in Svalbard, Norway.

2. Why is dying banned there?
Because bodies do not decompose in the frozen ground, which can preserve dangerous viruses.

3. What happens if someone is near death?
They are transported to mainland Norway or another location for medical care and burial.

4. When was the ban introduced?
The law was passed in the 1950s.

5. What makes Longyearbyen unique besides the ban?
It has six months of continuous daylight and six months of darkness each year.