Shocking But True: 5 Cities Where 'Dying' Is Actually Illegal
Imagine living in a city where dying is against the law! In Longyearbyen, Norway, it’s too cold to bury people, and in Cugnaux, France, a ban on dying was used to get permission for a new cemetery. These cities have some of the most surprising and unusual rules around.
Cugnaux (France)
![Cugnaux (France)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/01/1457237-france4.jpg?im=Resize=(400))
The mayor of the French city of Cugnaux imposed a ban on dying after failing to obtain permission from authorities to open a new cemetery. This unconventional method worked, and the authorities eventually conceded and granted permission for a new cemetery.
Le Lavandou (France)
![Le Lavandou (France)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/01/1457236-lavandou1.jpg)
The mayor of the French city Le Lavandou had to ban dying in the year 2000 because permission for a new cemetery was denied due to "environmental concerns." The mayor himself stated that the ban was "an absurd law to combat an absurd situation."
Longyearbyen (Norway)
![Longyearbyen (Norway)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/01/1457235-norway5.jpg)
The main city of Norway's Svalbard Island, Longyearbyen, has a 'no death policy.' This isn't just because it's a remote location; the real issue is that bodies buried here do not decompose due to the extreme sub-zero temperatures. As a result, the city's cemetery has not accepted new burials since 1950.
Sellia (Italy)
![Sellia (Italy)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/01/1457234-italy3.jpg)
The mayor of the medieval hill town Sellia in Italy issued an order prohibiting residents from falling ill within the city limits and banned dying as a measure to combat the town's declining population. People who did not take good care of themselves were subjected to higher taxes as punishment.
Itsukushima (Japan)
![Itsukushima (Japan)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/01/1457233-itukashima2.jpg)
According to the Shinto religion, the island of Itsukushima in Japan is considered a sacred place. Until 1868, dying or giving birth was not allowed here. To this day, there are no cemeteries or hospitals on the island.
Trending Photos
![camera icon](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/static/public/icon-camera.png)
![camera icon](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/static/public/icon-camera.png)
![camera icon](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/static/public/icon-camera.png)
![camera icon](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/static/public/icon-camera.png)