The South Shetland Islands are a group of Antarctic islands, lying about 120 kilometres north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Under the Antarctic Treaty 1959, the Islands' sovereignty is neither recognized nor disputed by the signatories and they are free for use by any signatory for non-military use.
The Islands are claimed by Argentina (since 1943) as part of Argentine Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego Province and by Chile (since 1940) as part of Antártica Chilena Province. They have been claimed by the UK since 1908 and are part of British Antarctic Territory since 1962.
Several countries maintain research stations on the Islands. Most of them are situated on King George Island, benefitting from the airfield of the Chilean base Eduardo Frei.
