The 56th Parallel South is a circle of latitude located 56 degrees south of the Equator. It runs through the Southern Ocean and is primarily situated in the Antarctic region. This parallel is significant for navigation and geography, marking a boundary in the southern hemisphere. Countries like Chile and Argentina have territories that extend close to this latitude, but the majority of the land is uninhabited and covered by ice. The area is part of the Antarctic Treaty System, which regulates international relations and preserves the region for scientific research and environmental protection.