What Do We Know About Antarctica?

Area: 14 million sq km (slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the U.S.)

Terrain: 98% of the land mass is covered by a thick continental ice sheet – about 2% is barren rock. The ice in Antarctica is more than 90% of the world's ice and averages over one mile (1.5 km) in depth.

Elevation: Between 2000 and 4000 meters (how high is a meter?)

Natural Resources: Iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum – No resources are presently being extracted.

Land Use:

Economy: There is no economic activity, however, some small amount of fishing and tourism does exist. These are both based in other countries.

Communications: No telephones, radio, or television broadcasts. There are 39 landing facilities for airplanes operated by 16 national governments and two operated by tourist organizations.

History: Captain James Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle in 1773 but saw no land. Since then, many expeditions have ventured to Antarctica. Explorer Robert F. Scott tried to get to the South Pole in 1911, but he died trying. Over the last several decades, it became a place to exploit. Elephant and fur seals, and whales were plundered almost to extinction to obtain furs, skins, and blubber. Many species are still struggling to regain their numbers. Now most of the people living there are part of scientific research, as Antarctica has become a successful place for international cooperative activities.

Government: This land mass is governed by the Antarctic Treaty Summary - which establishes a framework for management by 42 countries. The governing rule of law is that of the United States. No government owns any part of Antarctica, although several countries have "claimed" parts of it.