439. The Antarctic Treaty r,/as the first international agreenent which, as a Treatyestablishing a dernilitarized. zone, iriplied provisions that nuclear arms you-Ld notbe introduced into that zone. rt vas signed in 1959 by 12 countries (Argentina,Australia, 3elgiurn, Chi1e, Irance, Japan, New Zealand, Noryay, South Africa, theunited Kingdom, the union of soviet socialist Republics and the united states ofAnerica) and is currently in fcrce for 19 States. 440. The Treaty provides that Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purpcses onty6hn n?^L.i1-.i + ^ .:*+^- ^r: arru !1-\Jlr-rDr!s, anrer alaa, any measures of a military nature, such as theesLablistuoent of niliLary bases aud fortifications, rhe carrying out of militarymanoeuv?es a-zrd the testing of any type.of weapons. 441. The Treaty prohibits any nuclear ex:Iosions in r:ntarctica zi.ud. also .the disposal of rreioacl-1r-.t i:i.:t,-. il.r;tc;e.r, r-lte lta r-.lr .r:ji.1.l,iisl-rri rr ir:1,crna1,icrll agreements concerning the use of nuclear enerrye including nuclear exDlosions andthe di.sposal of reclicactil'e i.rasl,e ref .rjal , sl,a.i1 a!|11. jn tn1;artj.r:a I|or Lder]that af1 of the original contracting parties and those that show an interest inthe continent are also parties to such aqreements. 442. The Treaty created a control systero based on national verification throughinspection by national observers of the contracting parties r"rhi ch designate then.rt also established the right of aerial observation at any time in any area ofAntarctica, and the observers have freedom of access at any time to all areas orinstallations of Antarctica and to all ships and aircraft at points of dischargingon the continent. 443. The provisions of the lreaty apply to the area south of 600 south latitude,and do not prejudice or in any way affect the rights, or the exercise oi. therights, of any State under international 1aw with resard to the hish scas vithinthat area.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the Antarctic Treaty, which is an international agreement that establishes a demilitarized zone and prohibits nuclear explosions and military activities in Antarctica. The treaty also sets up a control system for verifying compliance and allows for aerial observation and access to all areas of the continent. Given the focus on establishing a demilitarized zone and regulating military activities, it is likely that the category that best fits this text is related to international relations and security.

**Category**
International relations, Natural resources and environment