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The question, “What Are The 12 Countries In Antarctica?” is a bit misleading. Antarctica doesn’t belong to any single nation. Instead, a unique international treaty system governs the continent. However, twelve nations were the original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, establishing the foundation for how the region is managed today. Understanding the role of these twelve countries provides insight into the complex geopolitical landscape of this icy continent.
The Original Twelve Antarctic Treaty Signatories
Instead of owning territory, these twelve nations are significant because they were the original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. This landmark treaty, and subsequent agreements, establishes Antarctica as a zone of peace and science, prohibiting military activities, mineral exploitation, and nuclear explosions. The treaty ensures that Antarctica is used exclusively for peaceful purposes, with freedom of scientific investigation and international cooperation prevailing. These original countries played a crucial role in setting the course for how Antarctica is managed and accessed by the world.
Here’s a list of those twelve countries:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Chile
- France
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Norway
- South Africa
- Soviet Union (now Russia)
- United Kingdom
- United States
It’s important to note that while these twelve countries were the original signatories, many more nations have acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System since 1959. However, these twelve hold special status as the initial architects of the international agreement that continues to shape Antarctica’s future. Some of these countries have overlapping and competing claims. For example:
- Argentina, Chile and the United Kingdom have overlapping claims.
- Australia claims the largest portion of Antarctica.
To dive deeper into the details of the Antarctic Treaty and learn about the specific roles and responsibilities of the signatory nations, consider exploring the official Antarctic Treaty System website. It’s a valuable resource to understand the governance and future of this unique continent.