What if Antarctica was a country?

The new country would have plenty of natural resources(although hard to extract), and if it could open up airports, would have major tourist attractions in terms of flora and fauna, at least until the ice melts, forcing many species to migrate, permanently, ie. be displaced.

Why does Antarctica not have a flag?

There is no official flag of Antarctica since it is not a country nor governed by any authority. However, there is a caveat to that as Antarctica is a de facto condominium, governed by parties to the Antarctic Treaty System that have consulting status.

Does Antarctica change its flag?

Antarctica has no universally-recognized flag as the condominium that governs the continent has not yet formally selected one, although some individual Antarctic programs have formally adopted True South as the flag of the continent. Dozens of unofficial designs have also been proposed.

Is Antarctica owned by the United nations?

Antarctica doesn’t belong to anyone. There is no single country that owns Antarctica. Instead, Antarctica is governed by a group of nations in a unique international partnership. The Antarctic Treaty, first signed on December 1, 1959, designates Antarctica as a continent devoted to peace and science.

Who decided what flag Antarctica would have?

Graham Bartram designed this flag after the UN flag inspired him. The simplicity of the white and blue colors represents the continent and its surrounding and also symbolize Antarctica’s international neutrality.

When did Antarctica get a flag?

Official Flag of Antarctica The simplicity of the white and blue colors represents the continent and its surrounding and also symbolize Antarctica’s international neutrality. In 2002, most bases on the continent started flying this flag alongside that of their own countries.

Does the South Pole have a flag?

The Ceremonial South Pole is a site for photo opportunities just yards from the official South Pole. The flags of all signatories of the Antarctic Treaty fly at the Ceremonial South Pole, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Norway, above.

Which countries have their own flags in Antarctica?

The nations of the Antarctic Treaty use their own national flags at their respective Antarctic research bases. Some nations however have their own flags for their Antarctic claims. The Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego includes Argentine Antarctica ( 25 degrees W to 74 degrees W ). The flag was adopted in 1999 as the result of a competition.

What do the stripes on the Antarctic flag mean?

The flag has the following meaning: Horizontal stripes of navy and white represent the long days and nights at Antarctica’s extreme latitude. In the center, a lone white peak erupts from a field of snow and ice, echoing those of the bergs, mountains, and pressure ridges that define the Antarctic horizon.

When did the Antarctic Treaty enter into force?

EmailPrintShare The Antarctic Treaty The 12 nations listed in the preamble (below) signed the Antarctic Treaty on 1 December 1959 at Washington, D.C. The Treaty entered into force on 23 June 1961; the 12 signatories became the original 12 consultative nations.

What is the Antarctic Treaty System emblem?

Officially this emblem represents the Antarctic Treaty System and not the continent itself. Antarctic Treaty members used the emblem for at least 30 years prior to its formal adoption, having used it on a 1971 commemorative stamp.