- Antarctica Treaty
The Antarctic Treaty came into force on
23 June 1961 after ratification by the twelve countries then active in Antarctic science. The Treaty covers the area south of 60°S latitude. Its objectives are simple yet unique in international relations. They are:*To demilitarize Antarctica
*To establish it as a zone free of nuclear tests and the disposal ofradioactive waste
*To ensure that it is used for peaceful purposes only
*to promote international scientific cooperation in Antarctica
*to set aside disputes over territorialsovereignty . So far 46 counries have signed up to these terms to keep Antarctica a true wildernessCountries that have signed up to the treaty
Signatories to the Antarctic Treaty:CountryDate of entry into forceConsultative status
Argentina 23-6-61 Original signatoryAustralia 23-6-61 Original signatoryAustria 25-8-87Belgium 23-6-61 Original signatoryBelarus 27-12-06Brazil 16-5-75 27-9-83Bulgaria 11-9-78 05-6-98Canada 04-5-88Chile 23-6-61 Original signatoryChina 08-6-83 07-10-85Colombia 31-1-89Cuba 6-8-84Czech Republic 01-9-93Denmark 20-5-65Ecuador 15-9-87 19-11-90Estonia 17-5-01Finland 15-5-84 20-10-89France 23-6-61 Original signatoryGermany 05-2-79 03-3-81Greece 08-1-87Guatemala 31-7-91Hungary 27-1-84India 19-8-83 12-9-83Italy 18-3-81 05-10-87Japan 23-6-61 Original signatory
Korea DPRK 21-1-87
Korea ROK 28-11-76 09-10-89Netherlands 30-3-67 19-11-90New Zealand 23-6-61 Original signatoryNorway 23-6-61 Original signatoryPapua New Guinea 16-9-75Peru 10-4-81 09-10-89Poland 23-6-61 29-7-77Romania 15-9-71
Russian Federation 23-6-61 Original signatory
Slovak Republic 01-1-93South Africa 23-6-61 Original signatorySpain 31-3-82 21-9-88Sweden 24-4-84 21-9-88Switzerland 15-11-90Turkey 24-1-96Ukraine 28-10-92 04-6-04United Kingdom 23-6-61 Original signatoryUnited States 23-6-61 Original signatoryUruguay 11-1-80 07-10-85Venezuela 24-3-99ee also
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Antarctic Treaty System
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