Eskimos

Eskimos, also known as Inuit, primarily reside in northern Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, with a total population of approximately 60,000. The term “Eskimo” originates from the Indians, meaning “people who eat raw meat” in their language, but the Eskimos prefer to be called “Inuit,” meaning “humans.”

Eskimos have a unique and rich culture and lifestyle. They mainly rely on hunting and fishing for their livelihood, sourcing food from marine fish and mammals such as seals and whales. Due to the difficulty of lighting fires in the polar regions, they often consume raw meat, considering cooked meat to lose its natural flavor. Their living environments are diverse, including wooden houses, stone houses, and igloos, with igloos renowned for their excellent insulation.

The ancestors of the Eskimos migrated to the Arctic region from Asia around 7,000 years ago. Facing extreme environments, they gradually adapted to the harsh climate, evolving unique physiological characteristics such as stocky builds and thick subcutaneous fat. Their lifestyle and genetic adaptability enable them to survive in extreme conditions.

Despite the impact of global warming on their living environment, Eskimos maintain their original culture and lifestyle. They have limited interaction with the outside world, primarily relying on hunting and fishing while also engaging in cultural exchanges and integration with others.