On this day in 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington by 12 nations, establishing Antarctica as a demilitarised, peaceful continent dedicated to scientific research.
It remains one of the world’s most successful international agreements, ensuring that no single country owns the continent and that military activity, nuclear testing and resource exploitation are strictly forbidden.
Today, the treaty has grown to include more than 50 signatories, all committed to preserving Antarctica for peaceful purposes and collective scientific discovery.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Antarctic Treaty enacted (1961)
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