Norway is one of seven countries that have claims to parts of Antarctica. Four of these claimed territories are named after the country that makes the claim: Argentina, Australia, Chile and the United Kingdom (our bit being known as the British Antarctic Territory).
The three countries with claims to parts of Antarctica that have more interesting names are France, New Zealand and Norway. France's bit is called Adélie Land; New Zealand's is the Ross Dependency; and as well as Queen Maud Land, Norway also lays claim to Peter I Island.
These claims have been recognised only between the countries making claims. The UK, France, Australia, New Zealand and Norway all recognise each other's claims. Part of the British Antarctica Territory is claimed by Argentina, and there has been speculation that Brazil may in the future claim part of this disputed territory.
Most of these territories are bordered by lines of longitude; in other words, they radiate from the South Pole itself. The exception is Peter I Island, which is on the border between the Chilean zone and the neutral territory (see below).
The area that includes the South Shetland Islands is claimed by both Argentina and the UK. The area that includes the South Orkney Islands is claimed by Argentina, Chile and the UK.
For a map showing the South Shetland and South Orkney Islands – along with the Falklands, South Georgia and parts of the mainlands of Antarctica and South America (nicked from Bing Maps), please click here.
One section of Antarctica is not claimed by any country. It was discovered and explored in 1929, during an American expedition led by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, who named it Marie Byrd Land in honour of his wife. The name was later applied to the whole of that sector of Antarctica.
Note that neither the USA nor Russia currently has any claim anywhere in Antarctica, but each has large research facilities in the sectors of other countries and has reserved the right to make claims.
© Macclesfield Quiz League 2019