Permanent Human Habitation in Antarctica?

No permanent residents. Antarctica has zero indigenous population and no permanent settlements.

Year-Round Presence

• Research stations: ~40–70 operated by 30+ countries
• Winter-over staff: ~1,000 (March–Oct); summer peaks ~5,000
• Rotation: Typical tours 6–14 months; no citizenship or property rights

Legal Framework

• Antarctic Treaty (1959): Demilitarized, scientific preserve, no sovereignty claims recognized
• Environmental Protocol (1991): Mining ban, strict waste/impact rules

People live there temporarily for science—not as a home.