The continent primarily covered by ice is Antarctica. This vast landmass is largely covered by the Antarctic ice sheet, which is the largest single mass of ice on Earth, exceeding 14 million square kilometers. Antarctica plays a crucial role in the global climate system and is essential for understanding climate change due to its sensitivity to temperature variations. It remains largely uninhabited except for scientific research stations, where international teams study its unique ecosystems and wildlife, including penguins and seals. The continent's isolation and extreme conditions make it one of the least explored regions on the planet.