Antarctica stands unique among Earth’s continents as it has no permanent cities in the traditional sense. Instead of urban centers, the continent hosts research stations and scientific bases that serve as temporary human settlements. These stations, while not cities by conventional definition, function as small communities for researchers and support staff.
The largest of these settlements is McMurdo Station, operated by the United States, which can accommodate up to 1,200 people during the summer season (October to February). However, this population drops dramatically to around 250 during the harsh winter months. The station is located on Ross Island and features amenities like dormitories, research facilities, a medical clinic, and even a small coffee shop.
Villa Las Estrellas, operated by Chile on King George Island, is one of only two civilian settlements in Antarctica (the other being Argentina‘s Esperanza Base). It hosts around 80 people in summer and 15 in winter, primarily consisting of research station staff and their families. It is notable for having some features of a small town, including a school, a small hospital, a post office, and basic housing units.