Yes, people live in Antarctica. But not in the way most think.
Antarctica is the only continent without a native human population. It has no cities, no permanent residents, and no commercial industries. Yet each year, thousands of people live and work there temporarily. The continent hosts a rotating population of scientists, support staff, and tourists.
Here’s what you need to know about human life in Antarctica.
How Many People Live in Antarctica?
The number of people living on the continent fluctuates by season and is made up entirely of temporary personnel.
During the austral summer (October to April), Antarctica is at its busiest. Around 4,000 to 5,000 people are stationed across the continent. This is when weather conditions are most favorable. Flights and ship travel are possible. Research programs operate at full capacity.
In winter (May to September), the population drops drastically to about 1,000 people continent-wide. The weather becomes severe. Temperatures plunge, daylight disappears, and transportation routes close.
There are no incoming or outgoing flights during most of the winter. The people who stay are stuck for six months, cut off from the outside world. That means anyone overwintering must be physically and mentally prepared for extreme isolation.
Can You Live There Long-Term?
There are no permanent residents in Antarctica. It’s a place where people work, not live. While some individuals may stay for over a year—typically 15 months covering two summers and one winter—this is still considered short-term. Extended contracts used to last three summers and two winters, but this is rare today.
People are rotated in and out by national programs. You cannot move to Antarctica on your own, buy property, or remain after your contract expires. It’s not open to private residency.
Can Tourists Visit Antarctica?
Yes. Over 50,000 tourists visit Antarctica annually. Most arrive by ship from South America and spend a few days making landings at coastal sites. A smaller number fly into King George Island or interior camps.
Tourist stays are short. Visitors are not allowed to remain without authorization. All tours follow strict environmental protocols.
Some ultra-luxury camps like Wolf’s Fang and Three Glaciers offer high-end lodging for tourists. These are operated by private companies under permit.
Where Do People Live in Antarctica?
Most people live and work at one of approximately 70 research stations run by over 30 countries. Some stations house just 10 to 20 people. Others, like the U.S. McMurdo Station, hold over 1,000.
Only about half of the stations remain open year-round. Those that do are staffed by small overwintering teams, usually 15 to 50 people per base. The largest, like McMurdo, may keep around 150 people on site. Others have fewer than 10.
McMurdo has more than 80 buildings, including a post office, bar, gym, and church. It’s the closest thing Antarctica has to a town.
Two civilian settlements exist: Villa Las Estrellas (Chile) and Esperanza Base (Argentina). These were established partly for geopolitical reasons. Both include housing, schools, clinics, and even children. Eleven babies have been born in Antarctica—mostly in these two outposts. However, these are not towns in the usual sense. They’re still tied to military or scientific operations.
What’s Life Like at a Research Station?
Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth. With no trees, no arable land, and almost no precipitation, it’s inhospitable to permanent life. There’s no infrastructure for cities, farming, or local economies. Human survival requires imported food, fuel, and supplies.
Living in Antarctica is like living on a remote space station. Waste must be carefully managed. Resources are limited, and isolation is extreme.
Stations are built for survival. Most have dormitories, canteens, labs, medical clinics, and common areas. Some have greenhouses to grow fresh vegetables. Outdoor travel between buildings often requires full polar gear.
In summer, people enjoy 24 hours of sunlight and easier mobility. In winter, there’s near-complete darkness, blizzards, and sub-zero temperatures. Supply flights stop. Evacuations are nearly impossible. Those who stay are stuck until spring.
What Jobs Are Available in Antarctica?
Most residents are scientists, engineers, medics, cooks, or logistics staff. Research includes glaciology, astronomy, marine biology, climate science, and more. Others work as mechanics, electricians, pilots, plumbers, and communications specialists. Expedition and mountaineering guides also spend long periods in remote field camps supporting science missions.
Getting a job in Antarctica is competitive. You’ll need skills in high demand and the mental resilience to work in extreme isolation. Most contracts last 3 to 6 months. Some people stay for 15 months, covering two summers and one winter. Very few stay longer.
Who Owns Antarctica?
Antarctica is governed by an international treaty system. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 by 12 countries and now upheld by more than 50, prohibits any nation from claiming sovereignty. Therefore, no one owns it. The land is preserved for scientific research and environmental protection. There is no path to citizenship or legal immigration.
Here is a list of the countries with a presence in Antarctica, with estimated ranges of their population from winter to summer. The original 12 signatories of the Antarctic Treaty are bolded.
- United States: 250–1,000 people
- Australia: 80–500 people
- Argentina: 200–400 people
- Chile: 100–350 people
- Soviet Union (now Russia): 100–200 people
- China: 100–200 people
- United Kingdom: 40–120 people
- Italy: 80–100 people
- South Korea: 70–100 people
- France: 30–100 people
- Japan: 30–100 people
- South Africa: 10–100 people
- New Zealand: 10–85 people
- Germany: 9–50 people
- India: 23–46 people
- Spain: 20–40 people
- Brazil: 20–40 people
- Norway: 8–40 people
- Poland: 10–20 people
- Czech Republic: 10–20 people
- Belgium: 0–20 people
- Ukraine: 12–15 people
- Bulgaria: 10–15 people
- Finland: 10–15 people
- Uruguay: 8–10 people
These estimates provide a general sense of each country’s presence in Antarctica, though exact numbers can vary year by year based on specific missions and research activities.
