South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

About South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) is a remote British Overseas Territory located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. The territory comprises the island of South Georgia, which is approximately 170 kilometers long and 35 kilometers wide, and a chain of smaller, uninhabited volcanic islands known as the South Sandwich Islands, situated about 700 kilometers southeast of South Georgia. Known for their rugged, icy landscapes and extreme isolation, these islands are home to diverse wildlife, including vast colonies of penguins, seals, and seabirds, making them a critical habitat for biodiversity. The islands have no permanent human population, with only a small number of scientists and support staff residing there seasonally to conduct research and maintain the British Antarctic Survey stations. Historically, South Georgia was a center for the whaling industry in the early 20th century, and remnants of this era can still be seen in abandoned whaling stations. Today, the islands are primarily protected as a nature reserve, with strict regulations to preserve their pristine environment and unique ecosystems.