Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent on Earth, situated in the southern hemisphere and surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent, primarily covered in ice with an average elevation of over 2,500 meters. Antarctica is home to the South Pole and has no native human population, only hosting temporary research stations inhabited by scientists from various countries. The continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which promotes scientific research and prohibits military activity, aiming to preserve the pristine environment and unique ecosystem of Antarctica.