World Geography

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Antarctica is the Earth's southernmost continent. Although it is not owned by any one nation, several countries have made territorial claims to parts of it, often based on historical discovery or geographical proximity.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
There are seven countries that have made official territorial claims in Antarctica. These claims are currently suspended under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which sets aside the continent as a scientific preserve.
Two examples from the seven claimant countries are:
1. Australia: Claims the largest portion of Antarctica, known as the Australian Antarctic Territory.
2. Argentina: Claims a sector of Antarctica that overlaps with claims made by the UK and Chile.
The other five claimant nations are Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Two countries that claim sovereignty over parts of Antarctica are Australia and Argentina.

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
South Asia is a subregion of Asia, typically consisting of countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The size of a country can be measured by its geographical area or its population. The question asks for the two smallest countries, which usually refers to the area unless specified otherwise.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
When comparing the countries of South Asia by geographical area:
1. The Maldives: It is an archipelago of islands and is the smallest country in Asia by both land area (approximately 298 square kilometers) and population.
2. Bhutan: It is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. While larger than the Maldives, it is the second smallest sovereign state in South Asia by population and one of the smallest by area (approximately 38,394 square kilometers).
Therefore, based on both land area and population metrics, the Maldives and Bhutan are consistently ranked as the smallest.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The two smallest countries in South Asia, considering both area and population, are the Maldives and Bhutan.