Nature’s law is known to all of us; everything that comes to Earth has to leave one day.
But what if we told you that there are places in the world where restrictions are placed upon dying? Yes, it might sound unbelievable, but it’s true.
Some cities and villages in Norway, Italy, Japan, and France have implemented regulations upon people’s deaths.
Let’s explore these countries where penalties can even be imposed upon the act of dying.
Longyearbyen, Norway
A City Where Death is Unusual
In this city, where you’d expect cemeteries to exist, burials haven’t happened for 70 years. The predominant reason is the extremely icy conditions that prevent bodies from decomposing.
This environment fosters the growth of a virus named “Permafrost,” posing serious health risks for the living.
Sick or terminally ill individuals are transferred to other cities for their final moments.
Falsiano del Mesico, Italy
Municipal Decree Against Death
In March 2012, Mayor Giulio Sisara Fava of Falsiano del Mesico in Italy issued a decree stating that dying in the town or passing through its borders is illegal.
The town’s cemetery had become full, leaving no space for new burials. As a result, people must be transported to nearby towns for burial, with a significant fee.
Itsukushima, Japan
A Sacred Place with Prohibitions
This sacred location in Japan is carefully preserved by the government. Its spiritual importance led to a ban on both birth and death on the island since 1878.
Pregnant women, the elderly, and the sick are not allowed to stay on the island, as it’s deemed a holy place.
Sarporex, France
Strict Regulations to Reduce Population
In this village in southern France, where most residents are over 65 years old, the mayor implemented an order in 2008.
This order restricts anyone from getting sick or dying within the village. The intention is to raise awareness about health and decrease the population.
Violators of this order face severe penalties.
La Encarnación, Spain
Preventing Deaths for Health Awareness
In the year 1999, due to a shortage of cemetery space in this Spanish city, the mayor imposed a ban on dying until a new cemetery was built.
The goal was to encourage people to take better care of their health. Those who didn’t comply with health check-ups faced fines.
These unique places with regulations on death might seem unusual, but they highlight the efforts of different communities to address various challenges, from limited burial space to promoting public health awareness.