Australian Antarctic Territory refers to a vast area of land and ice that is governed and administered by Australia in the Antarctic region.
Australia claimed sovereignty over this huge territory in 1933, and the United Kingdom subsequently recognized its claim in 1936. The region spans over 5.9 million square kilometers in total, making it one of the largest territorial claims in Antarctica. However, it is important to note that this claim is not universally recognized by all nations, as multiple countries have overlapping territorial claims in the Antarctic.
The Australian Antarctic Territory is situated in the East Antarctic region, stretching from the South Pole to the 60°S latitude. It is bounded by longitudes 45°E and 160°E. About 98% of the area is covered in ice, with massive ice sheets, glaciers, and ice shelves dominating the landscape.
The territory serves as the base for the Australian Antarctic Program, which conducts various research and scientific expeditions in the region. The program is primarily focused on studying climate change, atmospheric and marine sciences, geology, and biodiversity. Additionally, it also undertakes conservation efforts to preserve the pristine and fragile Antarctic environment.
Due to its extreme and inhospitable conditions, there is no permanent population in the Australian Antarctic Territory. Instead, the region is inhabited by temporary research teams and staff members who work at the numerous research stations established by different countries within the territory.
