Perspectives on the economic history of the Antarctic region

Abstract

This paper starts out by indicating how the economic history of the Antarctic could be conceptualized, given the peculiarities of the continent and the region (no permanent population, no sovereignty in a traditional sense, extreme remoteness, rigorous climate etc.). Second, it describes the main industries throughout Antarctic history. Third, it examines the quantitative data available on economic activity in the region, suggests how we should proceed to analyse the economic activity throughout history, and finally ask the question; Is it possible to (re)construct a historical ‘national product’ of the Antarctica?