.aq ccTLD
The .aq top-level domain is the country-code domain for Antarctica, assigned under ISO 3166-1. It is reserved exclusively for organizations and entities with a physical presence or operational activity in Antarctica, including scientific stations, government agencies, and treaty signatories. The name 'aq' derives from the French word 'Antarctique'.
Restricted to government organizations that are signatories of the Antarctic Treaty and entities with a physical presence in Antarctica, including unattended installations or short-term expeditions with official verification.
.aq Domain Overview
The .aq extension is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is managed by Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited. .aq was introduced in 1992.
Registration Info
Registration pricing for .aq is not publicly listed. Contact an ICANN-accredited registrar for availability and pricing.
Security Features
- DNSSEC
What Is the History of .aq?
The .aq domain was delegated on February 26, 1992, by IANA to Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited, based in New Zealand. It was created to support the unique logistical and administrative needs of scientific and governmental operations in Antarctica under the Antarctic Treaty System. It has never been opened for general public registration.
Did you know?
The .aq TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
What Is .aq Used For?
The .aq TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
Scientific research stations
Governmental Antarctic programs
Treaty signatory organizations
Logistical support entities operating in Antarctica
How Do I Register a .aq Domain?
Eligibility
Registration requires official documentation proving: (1) entity status as a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, or (2) physical presence in Antarctica via a research station, expedition, or installation; along with a signed letter from the expedition leader or base officer.
Open Registration
The .aq TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Registration Process
- Choose an accredited domain registrar that offers .aq domains
- Check domain availability using the registrar's search tool
- Complete the registration process and provide required information
- Pay the registration fee (typically )
- Manage your domain settings through your registrar's control panel
.aq vs Related Domain Extensions
How does .aq compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
View the full TLD Directory to browse all 1,900+ top-level domains with pricing, registration density analysis, and DNSSEC adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is This .aq Data Compiled?
DNS Checker maintains a comprehensive TLD directory covering all 1,900+ active top-level domains. The data on this page combines multiple authoritative sources to provide information not found in standard TLD listings.
Zone File Analysis
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC Adoption Tracking
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registrar Price Monitoring
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
Provider Market Share
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNS Checker tools to inspect any .aq domain: run a full DNS health check, check DNS propagation, look up WHOIS records, or verify email authentication.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from IANA, ICANN, and respective registry operator publications, then structured and formatted with the assistance of AI. While accuracy is a priority, details such as pricing, registration requirements, and policies may change. Always verify with the official registry or an accredited registrar before making registration decisions.