Seven countries have claimed pie shaped wedges of antarctica they are argentina australia chile france new zealand norway and the united kingdom

Seven Countries Claim Pie-Shaped Wedges of Antarctica

Antarctica, the frozen continent located at the southernmost part of the Earth, is home to some of the harshest conditions on the planet. Despite its desolate and uninhabited nature, seven countries have staked their claim on specific regions of this icy land. These countries include Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

The division of Antarctica among these nations is not as simple as drawing straight lines across its vast landscape. Instead, the continent is divided into sectors resembling pie-shaped wedges, with each country claiming a specific portion. The territorial claims are based on various factors, including historical explorations, proximity, and scientific research conducted in those areas.

Argentina asserts its rights over the area located on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Australia claims the largest segment, covering around 42% of the entire continent. Chile's claim extends from the South Pole to a determined latitude and is situated on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula.

France, despite not having any permanent residents, maintains a territorial claim in Antarctica. Its claim, known as the Adélie Land, is located in East Antarctica and is primarily used for scientific research purposes. It overlaps with the Australian and Norwegian claims.

New Zealand holds a claim known as the Ross Dependency, which stretches from the South Pole to a latitude of 160° East. This area is named after British explorer James Clark Ross, who discovered it in 1841. Norway's claim, named Queen Maud Land, is the second-largest and is located between the Weddell Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Lastly, the United Kingdom maintains a claim named the British Antarctic Territory, which has an interesting history. This territory was formed in 1962 and includes the South Shetland Islands, the South Orkney Islands, and the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

These territorial claims in Antarctica have sparked debate and controversy over the years. The Antarctic Treaty System, in force since 1961, aims to regulate human activity on the continent and ensure that it remains a peaceful and cooperative scientific zone. The treaty recognizes the territorial claims but suspends them, making Antarctica a demilitarized and neutral region.

While the seven countries hold their respective pie-shaped wedges, the treaty prohibits any new claims from being made and ensures that Antarctica remains a place of international scientific collaboration.

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