Antarctic

The Antarctic is the region of the world, which surrounds the south pole. The term “The Antarctic” denotes the whole area, which includes the continent of Antarctica, its ice shelves, surrounding waters of the Southern Ocean and several archipelagos (e.g. South Shetland Islands).

The Antarctic is not a part of any country. The official border of the Antarctic overlaps with the border of the Southern Ocean and lies along the 60oS parallel. Before the Antarctic Treaty was signed, several countries laid claims to parts of the Antarctic. Establishment of condominium (an area of shared management) by the Treaty means, however, that these claims cannot be put in force.