Who Lives in Igloos?

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The Inuit people, commonly known as Eskimos, lived in houses made of snow and ice, called igloos. Eskimos in contemporary times live mostly in houses, but igloos are still used during camping trips.

Igloos come in different sizes. Those commonly utilized for hunting trips are small and only accommodate one person, while larger ones can shelter a family. Igloo communities are composed of a number of smaller igloos connected with corridors. Igloos insulate Eskimos from the wind, and the blocks of ice trap body heat inside to warm an igloo up to 40 degrees higher than outside temperatures. Body heat and the sun slightly melt the igloo, and it freezes again when an occupant leaves.