Antartic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty is an agreement between lots of countries, whereby these countries agree to treat Antarctica with respect and keep it safe. The countries are, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, the French Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Union of South Africa, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.

The Treaty was opened for signing in Washington on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961. The provisions of the present Treaty shall apply to the area south of 60° South Latitude, including all ice shelves.

The Treaty recognises that it is in the best interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue for ever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord; This means that military activity is not allowed there unless they are researching science. The Treaty prohibits (bans) nuclear activity whilst it promotes scientific research and the exchange of data.

The Antarctic treaty tries to save Antarctica. When scientists get and discover information they share with each other the treaty states that they must share the information freely with all countries.
Antarctica is one place with different owners. The reason is because of the Antarctic treaty.