Who Lives in Antarctica?

Antarctica has no permanent residents and no indigenous population. The transient population (1,000–5,000) consists of:

• Scientists & researchers: Glaciology, climate, astronomy, biology, geology.
• Support staff: Mechanics, cooks, medics, pilots, IT, logistics.
• Tourists (summer only): ~70,000/year (pre-COVID), visiting via cruise ships.

All are governed by the Antarctic Treaty System (science, peace, environmental protection). National programs (US, Russia, China, UK, Argentina, etc.) operate ~70 research stations.