How many countries are in Antarctica?

There are no countries in Antarctica. It is the only continent with no sovereign states.

No single country owns Antarctica. It is governed collectively under the Antarctic Treaty System, signed in 1959, which sets the continent aside for peaceful scientific use.

Does anyone live in Antarctica?

Antarctica has no permanent population. Between roughly 1,000 and 5,000 scientists and support staff live at research stations at any one time, depending on the season.

Countries in Antarctica

Countries in Antarctica0

Antarctica is the only continent on Earth with no countries. Instead of sovereign states, the continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System — an agreement originally signed by 12 nations in 1959 and now supported by over 50 — which dedicates the entire landmass to peaceful, scientific purposes.

Seven countries maintain historical territorial claims (Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom), but these claims are effectively frozen by the treaty and are not recognised as sovereign territory. There is no permanent population — only rotating research staff at scientific stations.

Explore the continents that do have countries: Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Oceania.

Last updated: 31 August 2026