The ice and glaciers in Antarctica make up 70% of the world's fresh water.
Despite being covered in this much water, Antarctica is the largest desert in the world! It is almost 5.5 million square miles.
Because it is in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be summer in Antarctica in December and January.
The South Pole is at an elevation of 9,300 feet, or 1¾ miles above sea level! This is nearly ⅓ the height of Mt. Everest.
The average monthly temperature at the South Pole in the summer is -18°F (-28°C).
Read more about Antarctica here.
Antarctica is the only continent without a native human population. It is governed not by any single country or sovereignty, but by the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty was originally signed in 1959 by 12 countries, but has since expanded to 57 member countries. The treaty requires that Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only, available for scientific purposes, and it now contains a strict environmental protocol that everyone in Antarctica must follow to preserve the pristine natural environment.
"a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science"
- The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty
Read more about the Antarctic Treaty here.