South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

South Georgia's history began with its discovery by European explorers in the 17th century, though it remained uninhabited for many years due to its harsh climate. Captain James Cook formally claimed the island for Britain in 1775, naming it in honor of King George III. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the island served as a crucial base for seal and whale hunting, attracting a transient population of hunters and whalers. The establishment of whaling stations, particularly at Grytviken, led to the island's first permanent settlements. Today, South Georgia is primarily a research outpost, managed by the British Antarctic Survey.