Coldest, Windiest, and Driest Continent: Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth. The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth, −89.2°C (−128.6°F), was measured at Antarctica's East Antarctic Plateau.
Ice Sheet: Antarctica is covered by an ice sheet that holds about 70% of the world's fresh water and contains about 90% of the world's ice. If all the ice were to melt, global sea levels would rise by about 58 meters (190 feet).
Polar Desert: Despite being covered in ice, Antarctica is considered a polar desert because it receives very little precipitation. The interior of Antarctica receives less precipitation than the Sahara Desert.
Wildlife: Antarctica is home to unique wildlife adapted to extreme cold, including penguins (such as emperor, adelie, and chinstrap penguins), seals (like leopard seals and Weddell seals), and seabirds (such as albatrosses and petrels).
Scientific Research: Antarctica is a hub for scientific research, particularly in climate science, glaciology, and astronomy due to its isolated and pristine environment. Research stations from multiple countries operate year-round.
Midnight Sun and Polar Night: During summer, Antarctica experiences continuous daylight for several months (midnight sun), followed by a period of continuous darkness during winter (polar night), due to its location near the South Pole.
Antarctic Treaty System: Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, signed in 1959 by 12 countries. It designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve, prohibits military activities, and promotes international cooperation in scientific research.