The Partition of Antarctica
Antarctica is huge. It is approximately the size of the U.S. and Mexico combined. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, driest, highest of all continents on Earth. It is almost entirely encased by a layer of ice that averages practically two kilometers (1.2 mi).
But in the future, everything may change, and this enormous piece of land will become more suitable for human habitation.
Antarctica has no authority and no indigenous people. Alternatively, the whole continent is set aside as a protected area in which only scientific activities are permitted.
The Antarctic Treaty (1961) banned any military activity, as is exploring for mineral resources. 50 countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, ratified the treaty. But in 2048, an international treaty that bans all activities associating with Antarctic minerals is set to expire. And perhaps many countries want to return to the issue of dividing Antarctica.
Territorial Claims of the Antarctic
Nowadays, 7 sovereign nations have made 8 territorial interests in Antarctica: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
