Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean), it contains the geographic South Pole. Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, being about 40% larger than Europe, and has an area of 14,200,000 km2 (5,500,000 sq mi).

Antarctica, the world’s southernmost continent, is almost wholly covered by an ice sheet and is about 5.5 million square miles (14.2 million square km) in size.

The Antarctic comprises the continent of Antarctica, the Kerguelen Plateau, and other island territories located on the Antarctic Plate or south of the Antarctic Convergence.

Without any ice, Antarctica would emerge as a giant peninsula and archipelago of mountainous islands, known as Lesser Antarctica, and a single large landmass about the size of Australia, known as Greater Antarctica.

Cool Australian Antarctic Program news about wildlife, scientific research, stations (bases), expeditioners, ships, the environment and jobs in Antarctica.

Learn about the Antarctic Treaty System and its history. Learn about ice and atmosphere in Antarctica. Learn about weather and climate on the icy continent. Learn about the geography and geology of the icy continent. A handy list of Antarctic-related resources for teachers and students.

Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent on Earth. It is almost completely covered in ice. Antarctica covers the Earth’s South Pole. What Is Antarctica Like? Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. The average temperature in the winter is minus 34.4 Celsius (minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit).

Antarctica is the Earth 's southernmost and the continent with the least people. It is on the South Pole. It is almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle. Around Antarctica is the Southern Ocean. It is the fifth-largest continent in area after Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. [2] . About 99% of Antarctica is covered by ice.

Join the animals racing to the very end of the Earth to make the most of the short Antarctic summer.. Enjoy a free trial of National Geographic right here: ...

Meet amazing animals from penguins to sled dogs and discover vehicles and scientific instruments modified to withstand extreme conditions.