What countries have a territory in Antarctica?

There are no countries that have sovereign territories in Antarctica. Instead, various countries have made territorial claims in Antarctica, but none of these claims are universally recognized. However, seven countries have made territorial claims in Antarctica, and these claims are recognized by different groups of countries:

1. Argentina: Argentina claims a wedge-shaped sector in Antarctica called "Argentine Antarctica" that extends from the South Shetland Islands to the South Pole. This claim is based on historical explorations, geographical proximity, and the principle of uti possidetis.

2. Australia: Australia claims the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT), which includes all land and ice shelves south of latitude 60ºS and between longitudes 160ºE and 44º38'E. The AAT overlaps with areas claimed by Argentina, Chile, and France.

3. Chile: Chile claims a wedge-shaped sector in Antarctica called "Chilean Antarctic Territory" that extends from the Antarctic Peninsula to the South Pole. This claim is based on historical explorations, geographical proximity, and the principle of uti possidetis.

4. France: France claims the Adélie Land, a portion of Antarctica located between longitudes 142º02'E and 136º11'E. The claim is based on historical explorations and the principle of effective occupation.

5. New Zealand: New Zealand claims the Ross Dependency, which includes all land and ice shelves south of latitude 60ºS and between longitudes 160ºE and 150ºW. The Ross Dependency overlaps with areas claimed by Argentina, Chile, and the United Kingdom.

6. Norway: Norway claims Peter I Island and Bouvet Island, two small islands located in the Antarctic Ocean. The claims are based on historical explorations and the principle of effective occupation.

7. United Kingdom: The United Kingdom claims the British Antarctic Territory (BAT), which includes all land and ice shelves south of latitude 60ºS and between longitudes 20ºW and 80ºW. The BAT overlaps with areas claimed by Argentina and Chile.

It's important to note that these claims are not recognized by all countries and are subject to various overlapping and conflicting claims. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, sets aside Antarctica for scientific research and prohibits any military activity or mineral resource exploitation. The treaty also sets aside Antarctica as a common heritage of mankind, meaning that no country can claim sovereignty over any part of the continent.

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