The Antarctic Treaty has seven main signatories, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, a portion of the region remains unclaimed by any country.
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However, Russia has laid claim to the entire continent following its discovery, marking 2020 as the 'Year of the Antarctic Continent' to commemorate the first Russian expedition to Antarctica in 1820.
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Presently, the Antarctic Treaty has 52 member countries, with approximately 30 countries maintaining research bases on the continent.
Notable countries with research stations include the United States, Russia, Chile, France, Argentina, India, Turkey, Pakistan, and Brazil, with Russia having the most stations, totaling 10.
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The treaty permits only scientific activities in Antarctica.
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Today, Antarctica serves as a vital site for Mars simulation studies and geological research conducted by NASA and other nations.
Additionally, reports by US researchers suggest the presence of significant hydrocarbon resources, including tens of billions of barrels of crude oil in the region.
Countries such as Norway, Germany, Japan, and France have also engaged in exploration efforts.
While Antarctica held little significance in international politics until the 20th century, it now represents a focal point for nations seeking to exploit its abundant resources, potentially shaping the future global landscape.
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Warning: these questons and answers are not all representative of the way questions will be asked and answered in the pilot, because some questions are compound and some answers do not include citations.

Q: How many main signatories does the Antarctic Treaty have?
A: The Antarctic Treaty has seven main signatories.

Q: Which country considers itself the owner of all Antarctica?
A: Russia considers itself the owner of all Antarctica due to its discovery of the continent.

Q: How many member countries does the Antarctic Treaty currently have?
A: The Antarctic Treaty currently has 52 member countries.

Q: Which country has the most research stations in Antarctica?
A: Russia has the most research stations in Antarctica, with 10 stations.

Q: What activity does the Antarctic Treaty permit in Antarctica?
A: The Antarctic Treaty permits only scientific activity in Antarctica.

Q: What is the significance of the year 2020 in relation to Antarctica, according to Russia?
A: Russia marked 2020 as the "Year of the Antarctic Continent" to commemorate the first Russian expedition to Antarctica in 1820.

Q: Which organization conducts Mars simulation studies and geological research in Antarctica?
A: NASA and other nations conduct Mars simulation studies and geological research in Antarctica.

Q: What significant natural resource is reported to be present in Antarctica, according to US researchers?
A: US researchers have reported the presence of tens of billions of barrels of crude oil in Antarctica.

Q: Name four countries besides Russia that have engaged in exploration efforts in Antarctica.
A: Norway, Germany, Japan, and France have engaged in exploration efforts in Antarctica.

Q: What role does Antarctica play in international politics in the 21st century?
A: In the 21st century, Antarctica has become a focal point for nations seeking to exploit its abundant resources, potentially shaping the future global landscape.