Where Is Antarctica? Geography of the Southernmost Continent

Antarctica lies centered on the South Pole, surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Key facts:

• Coldest, driest, windiest continent; average elevation 2,000 m (6,560 ft).
• Larger than Europe; nearly twice Australia's size.
• Divided into East Antarctica (contains South Pole) and West Antarctica (includes Antarctic Peninsula, closest to South America).
• Home to penguins, seals, whales; no permanent human residents.
• Major hub for scientific research and regulated tourism.