Antarctica Facts and Treaty

What is the approximate size of Antarctica?

• The size of Africa

• The size of the United States and Mexico combined

• The size of Australia

• The size of Europe

Antarctica “grows” during certain seasons because:

• More land is discovered

• The seawater around the continent freezes

• The continent moves

• The population increases

Antarctica is the only continent with no native population.

• True

• False

When the first humans visited Antarctica, were there any previous claims to the land?

• No, there were no previous claims to the land.

• Yes, it was claimed by several South American countries.

• Yes, it was under the control of indigenous Antarctic tribes.

• Yes, it was a territory of the British Empire.

What is the purpose of the Antarctic Treaty signed in 1959?

• To divide land among countries

• To use Antarctica for scientific research and peaceful purposes only

• To allow military actions

• To establish a government

How many countries originally signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959?

• 5

• 12

• 33

• 48

The Antarctic Treaty allows weapons testing and military actions on the continent.

• True

• False

What does the Antarctic Treaty aim to protect?

• Antarctica’s environment

• Antarctica’s population

• Antarctica’s government

• Antarctica’s economy

Which act relates to protecting the region’s wildlife in Antarctica?

• The Antarctic Conservation Act

• The Arctic Wildlife Protection Act

• The Antarctic Mining Regulation Act

• The Southern Ocean Fisheries Act

• The Polar Research Act

Antarctica is considered a nation or a country and has its own government.

• True

• False