Antarctica Treaty
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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 of radioactive waste
- To ensure that it is used for peaceful purposes only
- to promote international scientific cooperation in Antarctica
- to set aside disputes over territorial sovereignty.
So far 46 counries have signed up to these terms to keep Antarctica a true wilderness
[edit] Countries that have signed up to the treaty
Signatories to the Antarctic Treaty: Country Date of entry into force Consultative status
Argentina 23-6-61 Original signatory
Australia 23-6-61 Original signatory
Austria 25-8-87
Belgium 23-6-61 Original signatory
Belarus 27-12-06
Brazil 16-5-75 27-9-83
Bulgaria 11-9-78 05-6-98
Canada 04-5-88
Chile 23-6-61 Original signatory
China 08-6-83 07-10-85
Colombia 31-1-89
Cuba 6-8-84
Czech Republic 01-9-93
Denmark 20-5-65
Ecuador 15-9-87 19-11-90
Estonia 17-5-01
Finland 15-5-84 20-10-89
France 23-6-61 Original signatory
Germany 05-2-79 03-3-81
Greece 08-1-87
Guatemala 31-7-91
Hungary 27-1-84
India 19-8-83 12-9-83
Italy 18-3-81 05-10-87
Japan 23-6-61 Original signatory
Korea DPRK 21-1-87
Korea ROK 28-11-76 09-10-89
Netherlands 30-3-67 19-11-90
New Zealand 23-6-61 Original signatory
Norway 23-6-61 Original signatory
Papua New Guinea 16-9-75
Peru 10-4-81 09-10-89
Poland 23-6-61 29-7-77
Romania 15-9-71
Russian Federation 23-6-61 Original signatory
Slovak Republic 01-1-93
South Africa 23-6-61 Original signatory
Spain 31-3-82 21-9-88
Sweden 24-4-84 21-9-88
Switzerland 15-11-90
Turkey 24-1-96
Ukraine 28-10-92 04-6-04
United Kingdom 23-6-61 Original signatory
United States 23-6-61 Original signatory
Uruguay 11-1-80 07-10-85
Venezuela 24-3-99
