The largest of the South Shetlands and the first stop in the Antarctic for many tourists is King George Island. Less than 10% of the island’s 1,295 km² is ice free and is loaded with stations. It supports year-round bases maintained by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Poland, Russia, South Korea and Uruguay, all connected by more than 20km of roads and tracks. There are summer-only Dutch, Ecuadorian, German, Peruvian and US bases. Some of the stations that are within walking distance are here because King George Island is so accessible from South America. It is a smart spot for countries to build stations and perform scientific research, thereby earning the status of consultative party to, or full member of, the Antarctic Treaty.
King George Island
