Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty System is a collective agreement between 58 countries regulating international relations with respect to Antarctica, designated as a scientific preserve and banning military activity. The main treaty was signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961, with the original signatories being 12 countries that established over 55 research stations during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58. The treaty aims to promote international cooperation in Antarctica, with the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, since 2004. The treaty has a complex history dating back to the post-World War II era, with various incidents and proposals leading to the eventual agreement.learn more on wikipedia