Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which is a collective agreement signed by 54 countries to regulate activities and preserve the continent for scientific research and , Options exist on any land south of 60 degrees S., which is the part of the earth governed by the Antarctic Treaty. Tags Politics and Government Antarctica Treaties, The Antarctic Treaty System prohibits mining in the region to preserve its unique and fragile environment. Mining activities could have severe negative impacts on the pristine ecosystem and , The Antarctic Treaty has no expiry date listed in its text. Modifications to it are possible, however. To date, no modifications have been ratified, so its original text remains intact. Read more , Governments representing about 80% of the earth's population signed or ratified the Antarctic Treaty. According to Wikipedia, there are 46 countries currently -- September 14, 2009 -- signed up , The treaty basically states that: Antarctica can be used for peaceful purposes only No country may build a military base there. No country may do a nuclear test there. No country may dump nuclear .