Unusual Laws: Why You Can’t Die in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Imagine the surreal scenario of dying in a place where it is illegal. This is the reality for anyone who finds themselves in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, a remote Norwegian settlement.

Corpses Don’t Decompose in Svalbard

To understand why this law exists, we must explore the unique climate condition of Svalbard. Due to its Arctic location, the ground remains permanently frozen throughout the year. This means that corpses do not decompose, which poses a significant challenge for the police and the community.

The Role of the Police

The police in Svalbard have a dual role: not only to enforce the law but also to assist people in avoiding breaking it. Their primary goal is to ensure that individuals can receive proper medical attention and be transported off the island to areas where there are facilities to handle deceased individuals.

Why is Death Prohibited in Longyearbyen?

The prohibition of death in Longyearbyen is not a form of punishment or criminalization. Rather, it is a practical measure taken to avoid the complex and costly processes associated with dealing with corpses in such an environment. A permanent freeze prevents bodies from decomposing, but it also means that they remain in the environment, potentially re-emerging after being pushed to the surface.

What Happens if You Die in Longyearbyen?

While the law dictates that individuals cannot die in Longyearbyen, what would happen if someone did? A morbid joke? Actually, the legal penalty is rigorously applied. If someone were to die there, they would face severe consequences, even if the penalty is somewhat morbidly amusing. In Longyearbyen, the law would be taken very seriously.

Conclusion

In the UK, similar laws govern death within certain royal properties, such as the Palace of Westminster. If someone dies there, the statement is typically altered to indicate that they merely expired en route to another location. This is a reflection of the administrative complexities and the sensitivities around such matters.

The effect of these laws is to ensure proper handling and disposal of deceased individuals, respecting both the living and the deceased. In Svalbard, returning bodies to their home communities helps mitigate the risks and ethical dilemmas associated with freezing corpses.