Who owns Antarctica?
No country owns Antarctica. Under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, the continent is reserved for peace and science, and territorial claims are frozen.
Seven countries have made territorial claims: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. Some of these claims overlap. The treaty does not recognize or reject them, but it prohibits new claims and expanding existing ones while it is in force. The United States and Russia have not made claims but reserve the right to do so.
The Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 countries in 1959 and came into force in 1961. It now has more than 55 parties. It bans military activities, nuclear testing and disposal of radioactive waste and promotes scientific cooperation. A 1991 agreement, the Madrid Protocol, bans mining.
A continent for science
About 30 countries run research stations in Antarctica. Up to around 5,000 people live there in summer and about 1,000 in winter. Scientists study climate, ice, wildlife, space and Earth's history.
Did You Know?
Marie Byrd Land, a large region of West Antarctica, is the largest unclaimed territory on Earth.