Who Lives in Antarctica? The Continent's Temporary Residents

No Permanent Population, But a Busy Summer Season

Antarctica is the only continent without a permanent indigenous human population. However, it hosts a rotating international community of scientists and support staff at research stations operated by over 20 nations.

Research Stations and Personnel

Countries including the United States, Russia, Argentina, Chile, Australia, China, France, UK, Japan, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Brazil, and others maintain year-round or seasonal stations. Key bases include McMurdo Station (USA, ~1,000 summer), Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (USA), and Rothera (UK).

• Summer (Nov–Mar): Population peaks at ~5,000 people (scientists, technicians, logistics, medical, construction).
• Winter (Apr–Oct): Skeleton crews of ~1,000 maintain stations through total darkness and -60°C temperatures.

Visitors

Tourists (50,000+ annually pre-pandemic) visit via cruise ships during summer, mostly to the Antarctic Peninsula. Journalists, artists, and VIPs also visit through national program invitations.

Governance

All activity is regulated by the Antarctic Treaty System (1959), which reserves the continent for peace and science, prohibits military activity and mineral mining, and suspends territorial claims.