Australia is the smallest and flattest continent, and Antarctica, at the bottom of the globe, is the coldest. You compared all seven continents in The Continents Compared.
Key idea
Most of Australia's interior is the dry Outback, with deserts such as the Great Victoria. The Great Dividing Range runs down the east coast, and most Australians live on the coasts, especially the southeast. The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, stretches more than 2,300 km off the northeast coast. New Zealand's Southern Alps run down the South Island. Antarctica has no countries: the Antarctic Treaty (1959) keeps it for peaceful use and science.
Why it works
Antarctica is almost all ice: about 98 percent of the land is buried under an ice sheet averaging almost 2 km thick. No one lives there permanently, only scientists and staff at research stations. Seven countries had claimed parts of it; the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, sets those claims aside, bans military activity, and lets every member country do science anywhere on the continent.
Worked example: Where Australians live
Why do most Australians live near the coast?
- The interior, the Outback, is hot and dry.
- The Great Dividing Range catches rain near the east coast.
- So farms and cities grew along the coasts, especially in the southeast.
Answer: Because the coasts get more rain.
Worked example: Who owns Antarctica?
Does Antarctica belong to one country?
- Seven countries have claims.
- The Antarctic Treaty sets them aside.
- The continent is kept for peace and science.
Answer: No.
Common mistake
People think Antarctica belongs to one country. Several countries have claims, but the Antarctic Treaty (1959) sets them aside and keeps the continent for peaceful science. It has no countries and no permanent residents.