Antarctica holds the title for being the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth.
It is the only continent without a native human population, though scientists and support staff reside temporarily in research stations.
Antarctica's ice sheet is the largest single mass of ice on Earth, containing around 70% of the world's fresh water and averaging about 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) thick.
Antarctica is home to several species of penguins, including Emperor Penguins, which are the tallest and heaviest of all penguin species.
There are more than 400 known subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica's ice sheet, some of which may harbor unique forms of microbial life.
During summer, parts of Antarctica experience continuous daylight for several months due to its location near the South Pole.
Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which designates the continent as a scientific preserve and bans military activity and mineral mining.
The ozone hole, which forms annually over Antarctica, was first discovered in the 1980s and has been a significant environmental concern.