What's the capital of Antarctica?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 24, 2026
There is no capital as such since Antarctica is not a country, but rather a collection of territorial claims from various other countries.
Is there any city in Antarctica?
There are no cities in Antarctica. However, many countries have established research stations and bases across the Antarctic continent. Many of the stations were established for both scientific purposes as well as to attempt to stake territorial claims.
What are the 12 countries in Antarctica?
What are the 12 countries in Antarctica?
- France (Adélie Land)
- United Kingdom (British Antarctic Territory)
- New Zealand (Ross Dependency)
- Norway (Peter I Island and Queen Maud Land)
- Australia (Australian Antarctic Territory)
- Chile (Chilean Antarctic Territory)
- Argentina (Argentine Antarctica)
- Australia.
Which country owns Antarctica?
People from all over the world undertake research in Antarctica, but Antarctica is not owned by any one nation. Antarctica is governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system.
Is there a Mcdonalds in Antarctica?
There are over 36,000 McDonald's locations all over the planet, and the chain is on every continent except Antarctica.
18 related questions foundCan I live in Antarctica?
The people who travel to or live in Antarctica fall into two main groups, those who live and work on scientific research stations or bases, and tourists. No-one lives in Antarctica indefinitely in the way that they do in the rest of the world. It has no commercial industries, no towns or cities, no permanent residents.
Why is Antarctica forbidden?
Well, that is because visiting Antarctica is a privilege and a responsibility at the same time. The Antarctic Treaty includes a protocol on environmental protection, which designates the continent as a natural reserve. There is a set of rules any visitor has to follow.
Does Antarctica have a flag?
A flag of Antarctica is a flag or flag design that represents the continent of Antarctica, territorially claimed by seven countries (excluding the Marie Byrd Land region). With no governing body over the entirety of the continent, it does not have an official flag of its own.
Can we fly over Antarctica?
A Lack of Infrastructure
It is fair to say that there isn't much infrastructure on Antarctica at all, let alone towers and airports and other structures which can help airplanes take off, land, and navigate. The lack of such an infrastructure can make flying over Antarctica like flying over the sea.
Is Antarctica bigger than Russia?
Antarctica is 0.82 times as big as Russia
At 14,200,000 km2 (5,500,000 square miles), it is the fifth-largest continent and nearly twice the size of Australia.
What language is spoken in Antarctica?
The most commonly spoken language of Antarctica is Russian, which happens to be the official language of Bellingsgauzenia, New Devon, and Ognia. English is also one of the most widespread languages spoken.
Do you need a passport for Antarctica?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Antarctica? To enter into Antarctica, a valid passport is required. It is also required for travel through the country or countries that you transit through en route to and from Antarctica.
What are the 14 countries in Antarctica?
There are no countries in Antarctica, although seven nations claim different parts of it: New Zealand, Australia, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Chile, and Argentina. The Antarctic also includes island territories within the Antarctic Convergence.
Do spiders exist in Antarctica?
Roughly 20% of the sea spider species in the world are from Antarctic waters.
Has any human been born in Antarctica?
At least 11 children have been born in Antarctica. The first was Emilio Marcos Palma, born on 7 January 1978 to Argentine parents at Esperanza, Hope Bay, near the tip of the Antarctic peninsula. The first girl born on the Antarctic continent was Marisa De Las Nieves Delgado, born on May 27, 1978.
Which country has an AK 47 on its flag?
The AK-47 on Mozambique's flag is symbolic of the war for its independence, which was finally granted in 1975, in which the Russian firearm was used. However, the gun on the flag does not just remain as a souvenir of the past; it is very much relevant to present-day Mozambique.
Can you go to Antarctica without permission?
The Antarctic Treaty does not prevent tourists, military personnel or scientific researchers from being present in Antarctica - but they do require an appropriate permit from a Treaty Party.
What happens if a crime is committed in Antarctica?
Under the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, ratified by 53 nations, persons accused of a crime in Antarctica are subject to punishment by their own country.
How much is a plane ticket to Antarctica?
As no commercial flights operate to Antarctica itself, you would have to book with a private charter operator and prices for a flight expedition can reach in excess of $30,000. Budget at least $1000 – $1500 for flights, slightly more for European travellers.
What does Antarctica smell like?
Oddly enough, there are very few smells in Antarctica. Ice and snow have no smell, and in the cold temperatures, everyday objects hold onto their aromatic chemicals. So that when you stumble into an aroma, it stands out like a black volcanic rock on a snowfield.
Do you get paid to live in Antarctica?
Rent and board is free for staff — called “expeditioners” — and meals are prepared by chefs. So you'll be able to save a lot of money, with workers on Antarctica being paid a special allowance of $60,974 per year, on top of their base wage.