What are the territorial claims in Antarctica and how were they established?

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent and is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent in the world. The continent is not owned by any one country, but several countries have made territorial claims to certain areas of the continent. The claims are based on historic, economic, and scientific factors. Currently, there are seven countries that have made territorial claims to Antarctica: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

The claims made by these countries are not recognized by the rest of the world, and the continent is generally considered to be a common heritage of mankind. The claims were established during the 20th century through a series of expeditions and treaties.

The first claims were made by Britain (1908), New Zealand (1923), and Australia (1933). In 1939, the United States expressed interest in making a claim, but later decided to hold off. During the 1940s and 1950s, Argentina, Chile, and France also made claims. In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 countries, including the seven countries with territorial claims. The treaty, which went into effect in 1961, established Antarctica as a scientific preserve and suspended all territorial claims on the continent.

The treaty also created a framework for the peaceful use of Antarctica and set aside the continent as a scientific preserve for the good of all mankind. It has been signed by 54 countries and has been successful in preventing military activities on the continent.