Antarctica

Antarctica is home to the coldest place on earth. In 1983, scientists recorded the coldest temperature ever, -128.6° F, in Vostok, which has an average temperature of -72° F. Antarctica has no permanent human habitation, but does have an average summer population of 4,000 people and an average winter population of 1,000 people. No single nation controls any part of the continent, although seven countries have made territorial claims to parts of it. No such claim has been made by the U.S. The Antarctic Treaty was established to regulate international relations with respect to Antarctica; forty-four countries, comprising about two-thirds of the world's population, have acceded to it. Its main objectives are to demilitarize Antarctica so it remains peaceful and to promote international scientific cooperation on the continent. Under the Antarctic Treaty, no territorial claims are to be recognized, disputed, or established.