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Antarctica

Antarctica is the second-largest continent on Earth. The land mass covers 5,405,400 square miles (14 million sq. km), most of which is encased under a thick layer of ice. In some areas, the ice is as deep as 6,560 feet (2,000 meters). Only 2% of Antarctica's land is exposed, and those areas are nothing more than barren rock. Glaciers and ice shelves along the coast, as well as floating ice pieces, account for about 11% of Antarctica's total area. The country's highest point is Vinson Massif, at 16,863 feet (5,140 meters).

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest continent. Temperatures vary according to season, altitude, and distance from the ocean. The eastern portion of Antarctica is cooler than the west. Temperatures average about -58° F (-50° C). During summer months, Antarctica is hit with more solar radiation than the equator in the same amount of time. Blizzards are common there, and storms often form over the ocean and travel along the continent's coast.

The continent has many natural resources, including iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum, and other minerals. There are also small deposits of coal and hydrocarbons. Antarctica contains more than 80% of the world's freshwater. None of its natural resources have been mined or sold.

Antarctica is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and penguins. These animals are well adapted for the icy climate they live in—the polar fish, for example, common in Antarctica's waters, is able to survive because it has anti-freezing agents in its blood. Several species are unique to Antarctica, including the King penguin.

There are no indigenous inhabitants of Antarctica. Several research stations are located there, and staff members are sometimes stationed temporarily. In the summer, the population sometimes rises to more than 4,000 people representing 25 different countries; during the winter, approximately 1,000 researchers are stationed there. There are radio broadcast stations available in Antarctica for communication. There are also 39 different landing facilities for airplanes. Planes must be fitted with skis to be able to land. There are no telephones or cars on Antarctica.

Antarctica is governed under the Antarctic Treat Summary, which was signed on December 1, 1959. Thirty nations signed the treaty, and another 14 countries are considered "observers." These nations have appointed members to a panel that consults and manages Antarctica. They meet each year to discuss environmental, scientific, and political issues. Today, rivalries remain between these countries, because many still wish to claim the continent as their own. Tourism has recently become more popular and is a growing industry.