Norway officially claimed Queen Maud Land in Antarctica, a vast section of the continent that stretches around 1,000 kilometers along the coast. This claim was made by the Norwegian government, following a series of expeditions led by Norwegian explorer Lars Christensen. These expeditions were instrumental in charting the eastern part of Antarctica, which had been less explored prior to this time. The area was named in honor of Queen Maud of Norway, consort of King Haakon VII. Norway's interest in Antarctica stemmed from its desire for scientific research opportunities, whaling, and potential resource exploration in the largely uncharted territories of the continent. 

The Norwegian expedition (1938-1939) utilized aircraft for aerial photography and reconnaissance, effectively mapping areas that had remained unknown to much of the world. This groundbreaking work laid the groundwork for future claims and research in Antarctica. Following the declaration of sovereignty over Queen Maud Land, Norway focused on establishing a stronger presence in the region by initiating scientific research, including biological and topographical studies, and later supported the establishment of research stations. These developments were crucial as they led to a more extensive interest in the Antarctic by various nations, setting the stage for territorial claims that would emerge later in the 20th century, especially during the International Geophysical Year in 1957-1958.