Where was the last major continent to be settled?
settled or explored? Antartica to be explored.
Sra
Australia was last to be settled, although there were already natives there at the time.
The last major continent to be settled by humans was Antarctica. To understand why, we need to look at a few factors.
1. Geographic Location: Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, located almost entirely within the Antarctic Circle. Its extreme climate, with bitterly cold temperatures and harsh landscape, makes it a challenging place to live.
2. Inaccessibility: Antarctica is isolated and difficult to reach. It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean, which does not have any permanent human settlements. The vast majority of the continent is covered by ice, making it difficult to find suitable areas for living and establishing communities.
3. Treaty System: The Antarctic Treaty System is an international agreement that was signed in 1959. It designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and prohibits military activity, mineral mining, and territorial claims. This has created a unique situation where the continent is governed by international cooperation rather than being owned by any particular country.
4. Research Stations: Currently, there are numerous research stations operated by different countries on Antarctica. These stations are mainly focused on scientific research and are staffed by scientists and support personnel. However, the population of these stations is temporary and consists of a rotating group of researchers.
Given these factors, Antarctica remains primarily a destination for scientific exploration rather than permanent settlement. The challenging environment, lack of infrastructure, and international regulations all contribute to its status as the last major continent to be settled.