A Global Perspective

Chapter 5: How Contracts Arise

Antarctica

In January, 1820 Russian Fabian von Bellingshausen became the first person to see the Antarctic continent. He described it as an ice field covered with small hills. It was not until 1838 that Antarctica was recognized as a continent and not just a group of islands. Prior to that time, people from around the world had speculated as to whether there was a "southern land" on earth that had yet to be discovered. The entire continent is slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the United States.

The 23rd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Peru in May 1999. At the end of 2000, there were 44 treaty member nations: 27 consultative and 17 nonconsultative. Consultative (voting) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory and 20 nonclaimant nations. The United States and Russia have reserved the right to make claims. The United States does not recognize the claims of any other countries.

Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations. Decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (within their areas) in accordance with their own national laws.

Antarctica's most important holiday is Midwinter Day. On June 22, when the long polar night is half over, celebrations take place on all the military and research bases. The festivities include food, games, songs, and even local theatre productions. The "last day of the sun" and the "first day of the sun" are also important dates in the Antarctic calendar, although they may fall on different dates depending on the latitude. Tourists are unlikely to experience any of these festivities, however, because they occur during the long winter.