Longyearbyen: The town where it is illegal to die

In a world where we often discuss the inevitability of death, it may come as a surprise to learn that in one town, it is illegal to die. This peculiar law comes from the town of Longyearbyen, located on the Svalbard archipelago in Norway, and while it may sound like a myth or a quirky story, it is rooted in practical concerns tied to the town’s unique geography and conditions.

The origin of the law

Longyearbyen is a small mining town situated about 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole. Despite its remote location, it is home to a small but vibrant community, which has historically been centred around coal mining. The town was established in the early 20th century, but its most striking feature today is its extreme climate, where temperatures regularly drop below freezing for much of the year.

The ban on dying came into place as a result of the town’s permafrost conditions. In the 1950s, researchers discovered that the bodies of those who died in Longyearbyen were not decomposing due to the freezing temperatures. Over time, this led to the troubling realisation that bodies were being preserved in the ground. This posed a significant health risk, particularly in the event of an outbreak of a contagious disease. Additionally, it was discovered that some individuals, notably those who had died of tuberculosis, had their diseases still present in their preserved bodies.

Thus, the authorities decided to implement the law forbidding death, as part of an effort to prevent the spread of disease and to ensure the safety of the town’s inhabitants.

How the law works

In practice, the law doesn’t forbid people from dying, but it prohibits burial in Longyearbyen. If someone passes away in the town, their body must be transported to the mainland for burial, where conditions are less extreme. Additionally, anyone who is seriously or terminally ill is required to leave Longyearbyen for medical treatment. This law applies not only to locals but to tourists as well. While the likelihood of a person dying in Longyearbyen might seem remote due to its small population, the law exists to avoid the consequences of preserving bodies in the town’s freezing environment.

In addition to the “no burial” rule, Longyearbyen residents are also required to have health checks before moving there, ensuring they are in relatively good health before taking up residence. The government is particularly careful about people with serious illnesses, especially those that could pose health risks in such a remote area.

A unique town

Life in Longyearbyen comes with its own set of extraordinary conditions. For one, the sun does not rise for several months during the winter, and it does not set for the summer. As a result, the town’s residents live in a constant state of twilight, with unique patterns of activity and sleep to adapt to the lack of daylight.

Despite its small population of about 2,000 people, Longyearbyen is known for being a hub of scientific research, especially related to climate change and polar ecosystems. It also has a school, a post office, and even a bar, making it a small but self-sufficient community. The town’s high levels of self-reliance and resourcefulness are a testament to the toughness of its residents, who are accustomed to living in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth.

While the idea of “banning death” might seem unusual, it is a reflection of the practical realities that come with living in one of the most extreme environments in the world. The law highlights how people adapt to their surroundings in ways that might seem unthinkable elsewhere. It also serves as a reminder of how environmental factors can shape the way a community functions, from its social practices to its health regulations.

In the end, Longyearbyen’s law serves to ensure the well-being of its residents and the preservation of public health.