The Frozen Continent 🌨️❄️
Antarctica, the southernmost continent, contains the geographic South Pole and is situated in the Antarctic region of the Southern Hemisphere. It is the fifth-largest continent and covers an area of about 14 million square kilometers (5.5 million square miles), which is about 1.3 times the size of Europe.
The history of Antarctica is a fascinating tale of exploration, survival, and discovery. Initially devoid of human inhabitants, it was first visually documented by European explorers in the early 19th century. The arduous journeys of explorers such as Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott in the early 20th century have become legendary.
Did You Know? 🤔
- Antarctica is home to approximately 70% of the world's fresh water, locked in its ice sheets.
- No native human populations have ever settled in Antarctica.
- It has no formally designated capital city!
- Antarctica is considered a desert due to its low annual precipitation.
Explore Further
Learn more about famous explorers of Antarctica and the climate studies being conducted on this icy continent. Discover the unique wildlife that thrives in its harsh conditions.