Australian Antarctic Territory facts for kids
The Australian Antarctic Territory (often called AAT) is a large part of Antarctica that Australia claims as its own. It's the biggest area in Antarctica claimed by any country, covering about 6,119,818 square kilometers. Only scientists and staff working at research stations live there.
Contents
A Brief History of the AAT
How Australia Claimed the Land
The story of the Australian Antarctic Territory began a long time ago. In 1841, a part of Antarctica called Victoria Land was first claimed for Britain. Later, in 1930, Britain also claimed Enderby Land.
Then, in 1933, Britain officially gave control of a large part of Antarctica to Australia. This area was south of 60° S and between the lines of longitude 160 E and 45 E.
Australia's First Station
Years later, on 13 February 1954, Australia set up its first permanent research station on the Antarctic continent. This station was named Mawson Station.
International Agreements
Several countries, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, and Norway, recognize Australia's claim to this territory. However, Australia is also part of the Antarctic Treaty System. This treaty, signed in 1959, helps countries work together in Antarctica. It means that while Australia claims the land, it uses its rights in a way that keeps good relations with other nations under the treaty.
Postage Stamps from the AAT
Australia creates special postage stamps for the Australian Antarctic Territory. The very first stamps were released in 1957. After that, they came out now and then, but by the 1990s, new stamps were issued every year.
All these stamps show pictures related to Antarctica, like penguins or ice. Even though they say "Australian Antarctic Territory," you can use them to send mail from anywhere in Australia. So, they are really just Australian stamps with a unique Antarctic design.
Connecting by Phone
If you ever need to call one of Australia's Antarctic bases, you can! They have a special country calling code, +672. The different bases have their own area codes:
- Davis: 10-6
- Mawson: 11-7
- Casey: 12-8
- Macquarie Island: 13-9
After the area code, you just dial three more numbers to reach someone at the base.
| States and territories of Australia |
|---|
| States |
| New South Wales • Queensland • South Australia • Tasmania • Victoria • Western Australia |
| Territories |
| Mainland: Australian Capital Territory • Jervis Bay Territory • Northern Territory |
| Overseas: Ashmore and Cartier Islands • Australian Antarctic Territory • Norfolk Island • Christmas Island • Cocos (Keeling) Islands • Coral Sea Islands • Heard and McDonald Islands |
See also
In Spanish: Territorio Antártico Australiano para niños
