Living in Antarctica: Anyone who loses their appendix stays here!

Living in Antarctica: Anyone who loses their appendix stays here!

Anyone who has ever thought about moving to a unique little village in the eternal ice should set their sights on Villa Las Estrellas in King George's Land, Antarctica. But be careful: the liveliest settlement in Antarctica has its own special requirements for future residents. If you want to stay longer, you not only have to love snow-white landscapes, but you also have to have your appendix removed. There is no other way to live in this special community because a surgeon is not available locally. This is what the Swabian reports about the very special, if somewhat crazy, regulations of the Chilean settlement.

Villa Las Estrellas was founded in 1984 to provide support to neighboring research stations. With around 150 residents in summer and around 80 in winter, the settlement is the larger of two civilian communities in Antarctica - the second is the Argentine Esperanza Station. The Chilean administration sees the villa as part of the municipality of Antártica, although it is not recognized under international law (Wikipedia).

The special features of the villa

What makes Villa Las Estrellas so special? The settlement consists of 18 colorful houses and offers an amazing infrastructure that would hardly be thought possible in this harsh environment. These include a school with around 15 children, a hospital with a doctor, a library, a shop, a bank and even its own radio station. For the residents there is everything that makes life in the eternal ice more pleasant, including a Catholic chapel that connects the community.

But conditions are harsh - temperatures vary from −6.3°C in winter to up to 1.4°C in summer, with annual rainfall averaging 405mm. Despite these adverse circumstances, many adventurers and scientists are drawn here. Villa residents are often dependent on tourism, as travelers are flown in via Punta Arenas to experience the fascinating world of Antarctica (Arctic Desire).

Unique living conditions

Life in Antarctica not only offers breathtaking nature, but also places high demands on the inhabitants. The first human traces in this inhospitable region were documented in the early 19th century, but the first civilian settlement, Esperanza Station, was not founded until 1952. However, Villa Las Estrellas remains unique, both in its rules and in its history.

In summary, Villa Las Estrellas is not only the only civilian settlement located in eternal ice, but also a place where people's coexistence is based on special rules. Anyone who lives or wants to live here is doing good business - even if it brings its own challenges.