The Antarctic Circle is a line of latitude located at the bottom of the globe. It’s on the opposite side of the Arctic Circle. The name Antarctica comes from a Greek word meaning 'opposite to the north'.
What countries are in the Antarctic Circle?
The Antarctic Circle is made up of the Southern Ocean and the South Pole which is located in the centre of the Antarctic Circle.
The continent of Antarctica is located in the Antarctic Circle.
Who lives in the Antarctic Circle?
The Antarctic is home to penguins, whales, albatrosses, seals and lots of krill (a tiny organism that whales and other animals feed on).
The land of Antarctica is a hard place to survive. There are no people that live in Antarctica, only a few researchers that spend a few months of the year studying on the land.
Did you know?
- Around 99% of Antarctica is covered in ice.
- Antarctica is so cold and dry that it hardly ever rains there. It’s considered one of the biggest deserts on Earth.
- During the summer solstice in December, all areas in the Antarctic Circle have 24 hours of daylight.
- During the winter solstice in June, all areas in the Antarctic Circle have 24 hours of night.
