Antarctica – land of penguins and boundless ice

Nearly two centuries ago, Russian sailors discovered Antarctica, putting an end to speculation about the continent’s existence. On January 28, 1820 (January 16 according to the Gregorian calendar), while on a naval expedition around the globe, Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev approached the ice-covered continent at 69°21'28" south latitude and 2°14'50" west longitude. Over a century later, Norwegian explorers reached Antarctica and called it the Princess Martha Coast.

Most of continental Antarctica lies within the Antarctic Circle, at 66°33′39″ south latitude. Only the continent’s northernmost part, Graham Land, extends beyond the circle.

Antarctica’s average temperature during the year is about -50 degrees Celsius. On July 21, 1983, the world’s coldest temperature, -89.2 degrees Celsius, was recorded in Antarctica.

Antarctica is the world’s highest continent. It lies about 2,000 meters above sea level, owing to the thick layer of ice covering the land. Altitudes in the center of the continent reach 4,500 meters above sea level.

Strong winds are a regular feature of Antarctica. During winter – from April to November – the wind almost never stops.

Antarctica has its own calling code +682, domain (http://www.example.aq) and flag – the white continent set against a blue background. But there is no Antarctic government or citizenship since penguins are the only permanent residents.

Antarctica has the driest climate on Earth, despite all the ocean and ice.

The Antarctic ice conceals lakes that never freeze. The largest of them was discovered less than 20 years ago, near the Vostok research station. It is 10 times the size of Moscow.

The world’s southernmost port, Ushuaia, is located some 900 kilometers from the coast of Antarctica.

Russia’s northernmost research station on Antarctica is Bellingshausen. It is situated on the King George Island, which used to be called Waterloo after the famous battle of the Napoleonic Wars.

The world’s southernmost Orthodox Christian church is located next to the Bellingshausen station.

Antarctica is only slightly smaller than Russia in terms of area. Russia measures slightly over 17 million square kilometers against Antarctica’s 14.5 million, with the offshore ice sheet accounting for more than 1.5 million square kilometers.