Antarctica Government has no definite form and shape. The role of the
Antarctica government is played by
Antarctic Treaty System, which was formed in 1959. This treaty actually came into force on 23rd June 1961.This Antarctic Treaty System has 45 countries as members. Of these 45 countries, 28 countries are consultative and the remaining 17 are
non-consultative nations. The administrative decisions are mostly taken by consensus and not through voting.
Among the
consultative nations there are seven countries who claim some parts of the continent of Antarctica as national territory. The remaining 21 are non-claimant nations. The outcome of the meetings among the consultative nations actually determines the procedure of governance of Antarctica. The United States of America plays the pivotal role in administering this continent. The consultative member nations govern Antarctica in accordance with their own rules and regulations. There are some guidelines, which are applicable in running the governance of this continent.
Some of the regulations followed for governing Antarctica are:
- The continent cannot be used for carrying out any military operations or demonstrations. Only scientific research equipments can be used.
- There should be free flow of information among the people.
- Any sort of misunderstandings must be resolved by the countries themselves.
- Any type of activities contrary to the treaty will strictly dealt with.
