Antarctica is Earth's southernmost continent, covering 14.2 million square kilometers. It is the coldest, driest, windiest, and highest continent, containing about 90% of the world's fresh water locked in an ice sheet averaging 1.9 kilometers thick. It has no permanent human population and is governed by the Antarctic Treaty.

Antarctica is Earth's southernmost continent, covering 14.2 million square kilometers. It is the coldest, driest, windiest, and highest continent, containing about 90% of the world's fresh water locked in an ice sheet averaging 1.9 kilometers thick. It has no permanent human population and is governed by the Antarctic Treaty.

Key Facts

• Size: Fifth-largest continent, roughly 40% larger than Europe.
• Climate: Highest average altitude and lowest recorded temperature on Earth (−89.2 °C at Vostok Station). Classified as a polar desert due to minimal precipitation.
• Wildlife: Coastal areas support penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds, while inland areas feature mostly micro-organisms, lichens, and mosses.
• Governance: Managed cooperatively for peaceful scientific research under the international Antarctic system; no single country owns the land.

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