Antarctica (/ ænˈtɑːrktɪkə / ⓘ) [note 1] is Earth 's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean …

Jan 5, 2026 · 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.

General facts about Antarctica, including geography, temperatures, and wildlife.

Jan 5, 2026 · Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

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, …

Aug 9, 2023 · 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 …

Explore Antarctica’s land area, zero population status, and importance as a scientific research hub. Includes facts and wildlife details.

Antarctica is, on average, the coldest, driest, and windiest of the continents, and has the highest average elevation. It is mainly a polar desert, with annual precipitation of over 200 mm (8 in) …

Apr 17, 2025 · Antarctica is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on Earth. The Antarctic ice sheet contains about 7.2 million cubic miles (30 million cubic kilometers) in an area just under …

Dec 27, 2025 · The continent’s ice is melting and raising sea levels worldwide. Our journalists will be sending regular dispatches as they head there with scientists trying to gauge the dangers.