Antarctica Facts

A commonly known fact about Antarctica is that it is the coldest and windiest of all continents.

A lesser know fact about Antarctica is that it is the driest of all continents.  In some places like the Dry Valleys, it has not rained for thousands of years(some claim the time since last rainfall is 2 million years).

It is not owned by any country but many claims have been made on its ownership.

It is the biggest desert in the world. Yes I am talking about Antarctica and haven't lost my senses.

Antarctica got its name from Greek language and Antarctica means opposite the Arctic.

Although it was discovered in 1820 by Russian expeditors, but it was not further explored properly for another hundered years.

The ice sheet covering the continent is approximately 1.6 miles thick on average and holds 90 percent(some claim it to be 60 to 70%) of the fresh water on the planet in the form of ice. Due to some silly human beings this sheet is thinning and don't ask me what will be the drastic affects of thinning of this ice sheet, that is a horrible thought.

Temperatures as low as -90 degree celcius have been recorded on this continent.

It is the 5th biggest continent.

It is 10% of the earth's land area.

There are no time zone's on this continent.

The international dialing code for Antarctica is +672.

If you are looking for meteorites, then Antarctica is the best place for you as dark meteorites can be easily located due to white ice.

Ever wonder what days and nights are like in Antarctica?
There is 24-hour darkness in June (during the long Antarctic winter) and 24-hour daylight in December (during its short summer). This is the opposite of the Arctic.