Igarka

Igarka is a town in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, located on the banks of the Yenisei River, approximately 650 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. It was founded in 1929 and is situated in a permafrost region, which significantly influences its construction and infrastructure.

The town's primary economic activity is linked to the timber industry, with extensive logging operations in the surrounding taiga forests. Igarka is also a port town, serving as an important transit point for goods and materials along the Yenisei River, which is navigable for much of the year. The deepwater port allows for sea vessels to reach the town during the summer months.

Due to its remote Arctic location, Igarka experiences extreme climate conditions, including long, cold winters with temperatures dropping well below freezing and short, mild summers. The midnight sun is visible during the summer, while the polar night occurs in winter.

Igarka is known for its unique geological and ecological features. The permafrost allows for specialized building techniques, with many structures elevated on stilts to prevent thawing. The town has a museum dedicated to the study of permafrost and the local environment. The population of Igarka has fluctuated over the years, with a decline in recent decades.