Country Profile: Antarctica

Antarctica is a unique continent, located mostly south of the Antarctic Circle, characterized by its extreme climate and vast ice cover. It remains uninhabited by permanent residents, with a fluctuating population that peaks during the summer months due to scientific research operations. The economy is primarily driven by international scientific research, with strict regulations governing resource exploitation under the Antarctic Treaty, which emphasizes environmental protection and peaceful use. governance is dictated by this treaty, signed in 1959, which prohibits militarization and promotes international cooperation.

Geography

Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, with an area of about 14.2 million sq km, almost 1.5 times the size of the US, and it features the coldest, windiest, and driest climates on Earth. The terrain is predominantly covered by a thick ice sheet, accounting for roughly 99%, with varying elevations from 2,000 m to 4,892 m at its highest point, the Vinson Massif. It has a total coastline of 17,968 km with significant ice shelf formations.

• 99% of Antarctica is covered by ice, representing the largest single mass of ice on Earth.
• The Vinson Massif, at 4,892 m, is the highest point on the continent.
• 15% of Antarctica's area is covered by ice shelves.

People and Society

Antarctica does not have permanent inhabitants, with various countries maintaining research stations that host a transient population. In summer, the population can reach up to 5,000, while in winter, it drops to around 1,100. As of 2024, the capacity of scientific stations varies significantly between seasonal peaks depending on the country’s presence.

• Approximately 56 countries have signed the Antarctic Treaty.
• Maximum population in summer (2024): 4,713 at research stations.
• Maximum winter population (2024): 1,056 at research stations.

Government

Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty and its associated agreements, which ensure the continent is utilized solely for peaceful purposes and scientific research. This treaty was signed in 1959 and has been in force since 1961, banning military activities and promoting international collaboration. Decisions related to governance are made by consensus among the participating countries.

• The Antarctic Treaty includes 58 member nations as of December 2024.
• The treaty allows inspections of stations for compliance with its regulations.

Environment

Antarctica faces environmental issues, primarily related to its climate and ozone layer depletion. The continent experiences severe weather conditions, making it the coldest, windiest, and driest area on Earth. Ice loss and the size of the ozone hole are notable concerns for environmental scientists worldwide.

• 15,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions were recorded in 2023.
• 0% of the land is used for agriculture, reflecting its uninhabitable nature.
• Ice loss remains a significant environmental issue under scientific observation.

Energy

Energy consumption in Antarctica is limited and largely tied to the needs of research stations. The continent does not engage in traditional forms of energy production. However, it does import coal and consume refined petroleum.

• Coal imports were estimated at 2,000 metric tons in 2023.
• The refined petroleum consumption is about 79 barrels per day in 2023.

Transportation

Transportation in Antarctica primarily consists of air and sea facilities supporting research operations. There are 31 airports and several small ports enabling access to research stations around the continent.

• As of 2025, there are 31 airports and 5 heliports.
• Total of 8 ports available for various types of vessels.

Communications

Antarctica is equipped with modern communications facilities, boasting full internet access for its transient population of researchers.

• 100% of the population had internet access as of the last estimate in 2021.
• The internet country code for Antarctica is .aq.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	14.2 million sq km	Fifth-largest continent
Population (summer max)	5,000	Seasonal population at research stations
Population (winter max)	1,100	Winter population at research stations
CO2 Emissions	15,000 metric tonnes	Total emissions in 2023
Coal Imports	2,000 metric tons	Imports in 2023
Refined Petroleum	79 bbl/day	Consumption level in 2023
Airports	31	Total number by 2025
Heliports	5	Total number by 2025
Ports	8	Total number by 2024
Treaty Members	58	As of December 2024