TOP 10 HOTTEST NATIONS:

The list of the world's hottest countries can vary depending on the criteria used, such as the highest average yearly temperatures, the highest recorded temperatures, or the consistency of high temperatures throughout the year. However, many of the consistently hottest countries are located in or near the equatorial region, where temperatures are high year-round due to the direct angle of the sun. Based on average yearly temperatures and historical weather data, here are ten of the hottest countries:

1. Kuwait: Kuwait has experienced some of the highest temperatures ever recorded on earth. In 2016, it recorded temperatures near 54°C (129.2°F).

2. Iraq: Iraq experiences extremely hot summers, with temperatures regularly above 48°C (118.4°F) in many parts.

3. Iran: Parts of Iran see extreme temperatures during the summer, with the mercury often soaring above 50°C (122°F).

4. Saudi Arabia: The desert kingdom is known for its blistering heat, especially in areas like Rub' al Khali, where temperatures soar.

5. United Arab Emirates: The UAE experiences extremely high temperatures during the summer months, often exceeding 45°C (113°F).

6. Oman: Oman's climate is hot and dry, especially in the desert areas where temperatures can exceed 50°C (122°F) in the shade during summer.

7. Sudan: Sudan is one of the hottest countries in Africa, with temperatures in some parts frequently above 45°C (113°F) during the dry season.

8. Qatar: Like its Gulf neighbors, Qatar sees extremely high temperatures in summer, with temperatures often crossing 45°C (113°F).

9. Chad: Chad experiences very high temperatures, especially in the Sahara Desert region, which covers much of the country.

10. Libya: Libya recorded one of the highest temperatures ever measured on Earth: 58°C (136.4°F) in El Azizia in 1922, though this record has since been invalidated by the World Meteorological Organization. Nevertheless, the country experiences extreme heat, particularly in its desert regions.

These temperatures can fluctuate, and the exact rankings might vary slightly depending on the data and time period considered. However, these countries are consistently among the hottest on the planet due to their geographic locations and climatic conditions.

TOP 10 COLDEST NATIONS:

The world's coldest countries are often determined by their lowest recorded temperatures and their average winter temperatures, especially in their coldest areas. Many of these countries are located at high latitudes, closer to the poles, where temperatures can plummet far below freezing, especially during winter months. Here are ten of the coldest countries in the world, based on these criteria:

1. Antarctica: While not a country, it's the coldest continent on Earth, with temperatures in the interior falling below -80°C (-112°F) in winter. The record low is -89.2°C (-128.6°F).

2. Russia: The coldest country in the world, with parts of Siberia experiencing temperatures below -50°C (-58°F) during winter. The village of Oymyakon has recorded temperatures as low as -67.7°C (-89.9°F).

3. Canada: With vast northern territories, Canada experiences extreme cold, particularly in areas like Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories, where temperatures can drop below -40°C (-40°F).

4. Greenland: Although technically part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is geographically part of North America and is known for very low temperatures, especially in its vast ice sheet interior.

5. Norway: Particularly in its northern regions, within the Arctic Circle, Norway sees very cold winters, with temperatures plunging below -40°C (-40°F) in some parts.

6. Sweden: Sweden's northern areas, especially in Lapland, experience harsh winters with very low temperatures, often reaching below -30°C (-22°F).

7. Finland: Known for its cold winters, particularly in Lapland, where temperatures can fall below -30°C (-22°F), and occasionally reaching -50°C (-58°F).

8. Iceland: Despite its name, Iceland's coastal climate is moderated by the North Atlantic Current, but it still experiences very cold winters, especially in the interior.

9. United States: Specifically, the state of Alaska has some of the coldest winter temperatures in the United States, with places like Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) experiencing prolonged periods of extreme cold.

10. Mongolia: Known for its cold winters, especially in the Gobi Desert, where temperatures can drop below -40°C (-40°F).

These countries experience extreme cold due to their high latitudes, elevation, or both. The winter months in these locations can be particularly harsh, with temperatures that plummet far below the freezing point.