Area3,903 km²
Introduction
Background
Located roughly 1,000 km to the east of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands have been governed by British authority since 1908, with the exception of a short occupation by Argentina in 1982. Grytviken, situated on South Georgia, served as a whaling station during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable explorer Ernest SHACKLETON visited this site in 1914 while on his ill-fated mission to traverse Antarctica on foot. Approximately 20 months later, he returned with a few companions in a small boat and orchestrated a successful rescue for his crew, who were stranded near the Antarctic Peninsula. SHACKLETON passed away in 1922 during another expedition and is interred in Grytviken. Presently, the station accommodates researchers from the British Antarctic Survey. In recognition of the necessity to protect marine resources in the surrounding waters, the UK expanded the exclusive fishing zone in 1993 from 12 nautical miles to 200 nautical miles around each island.
Geography
Area
land
3,903 sq km
water
0 sq km
total
3,903 sq km
Climate
fluctuating, predominantly characterized by westerly winds throughout the year, interspersed with intervals of calm; almost all precipitation occurs as snow
Terrain
the majority of these islands are rugged and mountainous, rising abruptly from the ocean; South Georgia is predominantly desolate, featuring steep, glacier-clad mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin, housing some active volcanoes
Land use
other
100% (2018 est.)
Location
located in Southern South America, these islands are situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, to the east of the southernmost point of South America
Coastline
NA
Elevation
lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point
Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Map references
Antarctic Region
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
the South Sandwich Islands experience prevailing weather patterns that typically render them challenging to access by ship; they are also prone to volcanic activity
Geography - note
the northern coastline of South Georgia contains several substantial bays, offering excellent anchorage opportunities
Natural resources
fish
Area - comparative
marginally larger than Rhode Island
Geographic coordinates
54 30 S, 37 00 W
People & Society
Population
total
no permanent inhabitants
Environment
Climate
fluctuating, characterized by predominantly westerly winds year-round, alternating with intervals of stillness; almost all rainfall occurs in the form of snow
Land use
other
100% (2018 est.)
Environmental issues
harm to indigenous fauna caused by non-native species
Government
Flag
description: a blue background featuring the UK flag in the upper-left corner; centrally located on the flag's right side is the coat of arms of the islands, which displays a green shield adorned with a golden lion holding a torch; to the left of the shield is a fur seal, while a Macaroni penguin is positioned to the right; above the crest, a reindeer is depicted, and beneath the shield, a scroll bears the motto LEO TERRAM PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)
meaning: the lion symbolizes the UK and exploration; the seal, penguin, and reindeer are indigenous to the islands
Country name
etymology
In 1775, Captain James COOK initially referred to it as "the Isle of Georgia" to honor British King GEORGE III; the term "South" was subsequently included to differentiate these islands from the other Sandwich Islands, which are presently known as the Hawaiian Islands
abbreviation
SGSSI
conventional long form
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
conventional short form
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Legal system
the legislation of the UK is applicable
Dependency status
an overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina; it is administered from the Falkland Islands by a commissioner, who concurrently serves as the governor of the Falkland Islands, acting on behalf of the British monarch
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (administered by the UK, claimed by Argentina)
Diplomatic representation from the US
none (administered by the UK, claimed by Argentina)
International organization participation
UPU
Economy
Communications
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
0
medium
0
key ports
Grytviken, Prince Olav Harbor, Stromness Harbor
very small
3
total ports
3 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
1
Heliports
1 (2025)
Military & Security
Military - note
The obligation of defense lies with the United Kingdom.
