South Georgia sea

Elephant Island penguins

Icy seas

Population There are no indigenous people on the continent. The population of Antarctica varies from fewer than 1,000 in winter to almost 20,000 in summer: 5,000 scientists from 27 of the countries party to the Antarctic Treaty, plus 14,000 tourists (1999/2000).

Surface area 14 million square miles.

Situation Antarctica surrounds the South Pole. The nearest landmass is South America, which is over 620 miles from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Geography The continent is 98% covered in a thick ice sheet that is up to 4,775 metres (15,665 feet) deep. The remaining 2% of the continent is barren rock with mountain ranges of up to 5,000 metres (16,400 feet). Antarctica holds 90% of the world's ice and 70% of the world's freshwater supply.

Climate Antarctica is the most extreme continent on Earth. It is the windiest, coldest and driest place on the planet, making it virtually uninhabitable.

Temperatures on Antarctica vary with altitude and distance from the sea. In winter temperatures can drop to -90ºC (-130ºF). The mildest temperatures are to be found on the Antarctic Peninsula, where they rise to just below freezing in the summer (the Northern Hemisphere's winter).

The climate in Antarctica is characterised by strong katabatic winds. These 'gravity winds' are formed when air comes into contact with ice sheets and cools rapidly, then flows outward from the interior of the continent and drives down the steep slopes of the coast at gale force. Cyclonic storms are frequent along the coast.

Government The management of the Antarctic is organised through the legal framework of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. Forty-three nations are now party to this agreement, and seven of those - the UK, Norway, Chile, France, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand - have historic claims on parts of the continent as national territory. The 1959 Antarctic Treaty preserves the status quo of the continent by neither recognising nor rejecting the claims of these countries and by not allowing expansion in any way on the continent.

Economy Antarctica currently has no economic activity apart from offshore fishing and tourism, and these are run by other nations.

Tourism Tourism began in the 1950s and is a small but growing industry. During the summer of 1996/7, approximately 7,400 tourists visited the continent; this number rose to 14,000 in 1999/2000. The large majority of the tourists took trips that lasted around two weeks, travelling to the continent by commercial ships.

Environmental issues

Minerals The environment of the Antarctic is protected by the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. According to this, no nation is allowed to engage in any activity related to the vast mineral resources except for scientific research.

Ozone In 1985, the British Halley Research Station discovered a hole in the ozone layer in the atmosphere above Antarctica, and in 1998, a NASA satellite showed that the hole was the largest on record. It was later discovered that the increase in ultraviolet light, penetrating through the hole, was damaging the DNA of icefish.

Wildlife In 1994, a whale sanctuary was established around Antarctica by the International Whaling Commission.

When to go Tourists cannot travel to Antarctica during the winter as pack ice extends over 620 miles around the continent, it is almost permanently dark and temperatures can drop to as low as -90ºC (-130ºF). The Antarctic spring begins in October and high summer is in December and January, when there are 20 hours of daylight and plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities.

Visas and documentation No documentation is required to visit the continent, but if your cruise stops off at other countries en route, visas and documentation may be required for them.

How to get there However you decide to travel to Antarctica, it is going to be either time consuming or expensive or both. For the majority of tourists, travelling for two to three weeks on an icebreaker that has been converted into a cruise ship is the most reasonable option. Lonely Planet reckons that $5,000 (£3125) for a two-week cruise is a reasonable amount. If money is no option, then airlines such as Qantas offer 'flightseeing' trips that depart from Melbourne or Sydney. Check out the website www.antarcticaflights.com.au

What to expect Visiting the last vast wilderness on Earth is not an easy option, but it does make for a remarkable holiday. The haunting landscape of giant icebergs, a vast empty horizon and extreme weather combine to make a surreal experience that will not easily be forgotten. One thing to remember when visiting the continent: your itinerary will be at the mercy of the weather and the ice.

The Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands are full of wildlife, including over 40 species of birds. Travelling through December and January means that you will be able to see the penguin eggs hatching. Alternatively, go during February and March for whale watching.

Some tourists are beginning to take part in more adventurous activities on the continent, such as scuba diving, mountain climbing and skiing.

Attractions

Deception Island Deception Island is a collapsed volcano that forms a natural harbour. It is situated among the South Shetland Islands at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The main attraction for tourists is the thermally heated water of Pendulum Cove. It was the food depot here that Ernest Shackleton and his crew were aiming for when they ended up on Elephant Island.

Lemaire Channel Coined the 'Kodak Gap' because of its popularity with tourists, the Lemaire Channel is a narrow waterway formed between the cliffs of the Antarctic Peninsula and Booth Island.

Paradise Harbour No landings can be made at Paradise Harbour but the spectacular glaciers and scenery make it popular with tourists.

Travel guidance for visitors The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators recommends the following guidelines for visitors to Antarctica. These guidelines are in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection. For the full text of these guidelines, visit the website: www.iaato.org/visitors.html

Protecting Antarctic wildlife
- Do not interfere with wildlife in any way.
- Do not use any means of transport that will affect the wildlife.
- Do not feed, touch or approach the wildlife in any way that causes them to alter their behaviour.
- Take care not to damage plants when walking, driving or landing.

Respect protected areas
- Do not dispose of litter or rubbish on land or in water.
- Do not take away any biological or geological specimens, including rocks, bones or eggs.

Respect scientific research
- Do not interfere with scientific research, facilities or equipment.
- Always obtain permission to visit facilities.
- Do not disturb any scientific equipment, markers or study sites.

Be safe
- Be prepared for severe and changeable weather by ensuring that your equipment and clothing meet Antarctic standards.
- Know your capabilities.
- Do not stray from your group.
- Do not walk on to glaciers or snowfields without the correct equipment.
- Do not expect a rescue service.

Finding out more

Websites

This website contains links to other websites that are not under the control of and are not maintained by Channel 4 Television. Channel 4 Television is not responsible for the content of these sites and does not necessarily endorse the material on them.

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
www.iaato.org/
Advocates, promotes and practises safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. This useful website provides a full list of members and guidelines for visitors, plus links and recommended reading.

Lonely Planet: WorldGuide: Antarctica
www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/antarctica
Overview that covers background info, places to see, images and transport.

British Antarctic Survey
www.antarctica.ac.uk
This website may look a bit dry at first, but check out the horizontal menu at the top of the homepage. Here you'll find lots of information on living and working in Antarctica and other relevant subjects, plus fascinating diaries written by BAS staff researching the frozen wastes.

New Zealand Antarctic Institute
www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/
Factsheets on everything from what clothing should be worn to environmental protocol, plus links and recommended reading.

Travel books

Amazing Journeys: Arctic to Antarctic by Rod Theodorou and Carole Telford (Heinemann Library, 2000) £9.99.
A journey through the Arctic and Antarctica, exploring fragile ecosystems and providing information about the special plants and animals encountered on the way.

Antarctica by Tony Soper (Bradt Publications, 1996) £12.95.
A revised edition of a guide to the wildlife of Antarctica.

Antarctica by Sara Wheeler (Cadogan Guides, 1997) £12.99.
Offers advice on travelling to Antarctica, and discusses wildlife, historic and scientific sites, and environmental concerns.

Lonely Planet: Antarctica: A travel survival kit by Jeff Rubin (Lonely Planet Publications, 1996) £11.99.
Provides information necessary to visitors on all budgets, including advice on getting there, accommodation, places to visit, and health and safety.

Waiting to Fly: My escapades with the penguins of Antarctica by Ron Naveen (William Morrow, 1999) £20.
A foray into the world of the penguin, detailing its life cycle, intelligence, antics, survival techniques and extraordinary working communities, and describes the author's adventures on Antarctica's frigid seas.