Coldest Place on Earth: Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures dropping as low as -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius) recorded at the Soviet Vostok Station in July 1983.
Driest Continent: Despite being covered in ice, Antarctica is considered the driest continent on Earth. It receives very little precipitation, with most of the interior receiving less than 2 inches (50 millimeters) of snowfall per year.
Largest Ice Sheet: Antarctica is home to the largest ice sheet on Earth, containing about 70% of the world's fresh water.
Unique Wildlife: Despite its harsh climate, Antarctica is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds.
No Native Human Population: Antarctica has no native human population and is governed by an international treaty known as the Antarctic Treaty System.
24-Hour Sunlight in Summer: During the austral summer (from late October to late February), parts of Antarctica experience 24 hours of daylight due to the tilt of the Earth's axis.
Iceberg Alley: Antarctica is known for its spectacular icebergs, some of which are massive in size. Iceberg Alley, located in the Weddell Sea, is a major thoroughfare for icebergs calving off the Antarctic ice sheet.