No country owns Antarctica. The continent is governed internationally under the Antarctic Treaty, signed on December 1, 1959, which ensures that Antarctica is used only for peaceful purposes and scientific research

. This treaty was initially signed by twelve countries and now has 54 participating nations, making it a unique example of global cooperation

. While seven countries—Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom—have made territorial claims on parts of Antarctica, these claims are not universally recognized and are effectively set aside by the treaty

. Australia holds the largest claimed area, about 42% of the continent, but this does not constitute ownership under international law

. The Antarctic Treaty prohibits new claims or expansion of existing claims and maintains the continent as a nuclear weapons-free zone dedicated to scientific research and environmental protection

. Multiple countries, including those without claims such as the United States, Russia, China, and others, operate research stations across Antarctica

. In summary, Antarctica is not owned by any single country but is managed collectively through an international treaty system focused on peace and science