Antarctica

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A satellite composite image of Antarctica

Antarctica is a continent surrounding the Earth's South Pole. It is the coldest place on earth and is almost entirely covered by ice. It is not to be confused with the Arctic, which is located near the Earth's North Pole.

Antarctica was discovered in late January 1820. For more details see the article on the History of Antarctica.

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent in area, after Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. However, it is the smallest in population. It is also the continent with the highest average altitude, and the lowest average humidity of any continent on Earth, as well as the lowest average temperature.

It has been assigned the Internet ccTLD .aq.

Table of contents

Geography

Main article: Geography of Antarctica

Territorial claims

Territorial claims of Antarctica

Several nations, particularly those close to the continent, made territorial claims in the 20th century. These claims have little practical relevance but continue to be observed by cartographers.

Most countries that have observation or study facilities in Antarctica have those facilities within their claimed territory. The Antarctic Treaty defers these claims and most other nations do not recognize them. No other nations have made claims themselves, although the United States and Russia assert the right to do so.

Argentina: 25�W to 74�W; overlaps Chilean and British claims; claimed 1943 as part of the Tierra del Fuego - Antarctica & South Atlantic Isles province

Australia: 160�E to 142�E and 136�E to 45�E; claimed 1933 as the Australian Antarctic Territory
Brazil: 28�W to 53�W; overlaps Argentine, British and Chilean claims; Zone of Interest designated 1986
Chile: 53�W to 90�W; Overlaps Argentine and British Claims; claimed 1940, see Chilean Antarctic Territory
France: 142�E to 136�E; claimed 1924 as part of the French Southern Territories
New Zealand: 150�W to 160�E; claimed 1923, see Ross Dependency
Norway: 45�E to 20�E; claimed 1938 as Dronning Maud Land, and including Peter I Island
United Kingdom: 20�W to 80�W; overlaps Argentine and Chilean claims; claimed 1908, see British Antarctic Territory and the lists of its Administrators, Commissioners, and High Commissioners

No formal claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west.

Former claims

Germany: 20�E to 10�W; overlapped Norwegian claim; claimed 1939–1945 as New Schwabenland
South Africa: claimed 1963–1994

Tabletop icebergs in Antarctica

Population

Palmer Station

It is usually estimated that at a given time there are at least 1000 people living in Antarctica. This varies strongly with season.

Antarctica has no permanent residents, but a number of governments maintain permanent research stations on the continent. Many of the stations are staffed around the year. These include: