Antarctica is the most remote continent on the planet and is often referred to as the ‘final frontier’. It is the only continent in the world which has no permanent population, and is one of the last true wildernesses left in the world.

Located in the Southern hemisphere, Antarctica is the fifth largest continent, covering roughly 14 million square kilometres. It is covered entirely by thick, permanent ice sheets and is the coldest and driest continent on Earth. Temperatures can reach -90°c and the continent receives only 200mm of rainfall annually.

Most of Antarctica is made up of water that is frozen solid and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean, separating it from the southern regions of the Earth. A large portion of the continent is made up of mountain ranges, including the Transantarctic Mountains, which form a border between east and west Antarctica.

The harsh environment of Antarctica has rendered it inhospitable to most mammals, birds, and other animals. Many scientists believe that the continent was never connected to any larger land mass, meaning animals would have been unable to reach it. That said, there are still some native species that have found a way to thrive in such a hostile environment, include seals, penguins, petrels, albatrosses, and skuas.

In addition to the wildlife, Antarctica is home to a number of scientific research stations. These research stations serve to monitor the local environment and conduct research regarding climate change, glaciology, and oceanography. Other stations act as a permanent base for researchers, allowing them to study the surrounding pressure ridges and other features of the continent.

Despite its inhospitable environment, Antarctica is a stunningly beautiful continent. It is home to a unique combination of icebergs, glaciers, snow-covered mountains and vast expanses of ice. As such, it has become a popular destination for adventurous tourists and avid wildlife spotters.

As the only continent in the world without a native human population, Antarctica remains one of the most untouched and captivating areas of the world today. Although difficult to access, its mystique, beauty, and significance continue to draw the adventurous and curious alike, who are looking to experience the remarkable landscape that can only be found in Antarctica.