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Africa
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north america :

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m35  africa is da best

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AFRICA - over 20 interesting and key facts

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Click here for a list of interesting facts about Africa. All the important information you need to know about this amazing continent.

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PICs and emerging Asia-especially China-has grown rapidly, although from a low base (Figure 3.2.2).PICs' exports to emerging Asia ...

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www.oddizzi.com/teachers/explore-the-world/places/asia/

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continents and oceans. continents and oceans the seven continents a continent is a large land mass surrounded by water. europe is still considered.

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Continents and Oceans. Continents and Oceans The Seven Continents A continent is a large land mass surrounded by water. Europe is still considered. - ppt video online download

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Africa is an amazing continent that is distinctly unique among the seven continents. Africa is rich in cultural heritage and diversity, a wealth of natural resources, offers breathtaking tourist attractions, and contains some of the most intricate political systems. Explore this incredible continent with some of the most interesting facts about Africa.

Facts About Africa

1. Africa is the second-largest continent in the world both in size and population. As of 2009, about 14.7 percent of the world's population resides in Africa.

2. Africa is home to over 1 billion people who speak over 1,500 different languages. One in every four of the world's language are spoken only in Africa.

3. Africa's total size is roughly 11.7 square miles, representing about a fifth of the earth's total landmass. This makes it larger than India, China, Mexica, and USA's and a huge chunk of Europe combined.

4. During the early Mesozoic Era, Africa was attached to all the other continents to form one gigantic continental landmass called Pangea. Pangea later broke apart to form the world's continents as we know them today.

5. Despite Africa being the second-largest continent in the world, it has the shortest coastline. This is due to the many bays and edges that extend out of the coastline.

6. World civilization began in Africa. The Pharaonic civilization of ancient Egypt is the oldest literate civilization. According to historical records, the Egyptian state dates back to about 3300 B.C.

7. Islam is the dominant religion in Africa. Christianity is the second. Arabic is also the most widely-spoken language in Africa.

8. About 38% of all Christians are projected to be living in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by 2050.

9. Africa is the most centrally located continent in the world. Both the prime meridian (0 degrees longitude), and the equator (0 degrees latitude) cut across it.

10. Africa's largest country is Sudan. It has a total area of 967,940 square miles (2.5 million km2). The smallest country on the continent is The Seychelles, which is an island nation covering just 453 km2 (175 miles2).

11. Nigeria has the highest population (154.7 million people) in Africa. This represents 18% of Africa's total population.

12. South Africa has the highest GDP (($182 billion) in Africa. Guinea Bissau has the lowest at $230 million.

13. The richest SSA country in terms of Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is Equatorial Guinea. This is 83 times higher than that of Zimbabwe which is the poorest in terms of GNI per capita.

14. 21 percent of SSA nations have one or two products accounting for their total exports. Most of these exports are in form of agricultural produce.

15. As of 2008, South Africa consumes the most electricity per person (4,759.5kW/h) in Africa. Ethiopia has the least consumption (42.3 kW/h).

16. The shortest distance between Africa and Europe is only 8.9 miles (14.3 kilometers) of ocean.

17. Africa's Nile River is the world's longest river. It has a total length of 6,650 kilometers (4,132 miles) and cuts across 11 countries. It drains into the Mediterranean Sea from Africa's Northeastern edge.

18. The largest island in Africa, located in the Indian Ocean (off Africa's East Coast) is Madagascar. It is also the fourth largest in the world.

19. The Victoria Falls, located along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Zambezi River is the fall's main water source.

20. The largest lake in Africa is Lake Victoria. It is also the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, spanning 26,830 square miles.

21. Africa's Sahara desert is the world's largest hot desert covering 9.1 million km2. Of the deserts of the world, it is the third largest after the Arctic (second largest) and Antarctic (largest) deserts.

22. The highest point in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It rises 5895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level.

23. Both the world's tallest and largest land animals both come from Africa. They are the giraffe and African elephant, respectively.

24. The giraffe is already extinct in at least 7 African nations.

25. The hippopotamus is Africa's deadliest animal. It kills more people in Africa than do crocodiles and lions combined.

26. Today, the San people, who reside in southern Africa, use the same tools as those found in a cave, which dates 44,000 years back.

27. About 41 percent of children in Africa aged between 5-1 years are actively involved in child labor.

28. In Africa, just like in Asia, people have to walk an average of 3.7 miles daily to fetch water for various uses.

29. 39 percent of children under the age of five years in Burundi are underweight.

30. Over 90 percent of all malaria cases reported worldwide come from Africa. Every year, 3,000 children die from the disease.

31. In Swaziland, Africa, one in every four adults is HIV positive.

32. To date, over 17 million people in SSA have succumbed to AIDS. Estimates put the current number of HIV infection in Africa at 25 million people.

33. 16 countries in Africa record higher rates of vaccination than the U.S. alone.

34. The Second Congo War, which began in 1998 and lasted until 2006, claimed the second-highest number of casualties (5.4 million lives), after World War II. The conflict involved eight African countries.

35. According to the World Bank, Seychelles had a 92 percent women literacy rate in 2010. Chad's equivalent was 13 percent while Niger's was 15 percent.

36. As of 2010, it took 216 days to complete each procedure required to start a business in Guinea-Bissau. In Rwanda, the same took only 3 days.

37. Only 24 percent of SSA's rural population has access to standard sanitation. This is in comparison to 42 percent of the urban population with access to the same.

38. Tanzania, Africa, has the world's highest Albinism rates. In the country, Albino are hunted by witchdoctors to use their organs for rituals believed to heal diseases.

39. Witwatersrand, South Africa, produces almost half of all the gold mined in Africa.

40. More people speak French in Africa than do those in France.

41. A single tribe in Kenya-called the "Kalenjin"-produces most of the world's fastest long-distance runners.

42. Egypt is Africa's most popular tourist destination. The country receives over 10 million visitors every year. Cairo, Egypt's capital city, is also Africa's largest city.

43. Women from Africa's Mursi tribe pierce their lips and wear plates as large are 5 inches in diameter, inside them (lips).

44. Mainland Africa is home to two of Spain's exclaves, Melilla and Ceuta.

45. The national flag of Mozambique has the image of an AK-47 assault rifle embedded into it. It is the only national flag in the world featuring such a modern rifle.

46. All of Africa's nations were colonized by the Europeans except two: Ethiopia and Liberia. The former was an Orthodox Christian country, while the latter was established by African-American settlers from the United States, who previously served as slaves.

47. Currently, Africa is united under a political organization known as the African Union (AU). The AU was established in 2001. Only one African country, Morocco, is not a member of the AU.

48. Soccer and cricket are two of Africa's most popular sports. They were both introduced during the colonial era.

49. There are more than 100 million Facebook users in Africa.

Sure, there are more facts about Africa! We wouldn't even try to cover them all. There are so many others that we probably missed that are worth sharing. But, this is where you come in. Tell us about your favorite facts about Africa in the comments below!

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49 Amazing Facts About Africa | The 7 Continents of the World

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Africa is an amazing continent that is distinctly unique among the seven continents. Africa is rich in cultural heritage and diversity, a wealth of natural resources, offers breathtaking tourist attractions, and contains some of the most intricate political systems. Explore this incredible continent with some of the most interesting facts about Africa.

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continents and oceans. continents and oceans the seven continents a continent is a large land mass surrounded by water. europe is still considered.

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Continents and Oceans. Continents and Oceans The Seven Continents A continent is a large land mass surrounded by water. Europe is still considered. - ppt video online download

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Cropped & modified in Adobe Photoshop! Pokemon courtesy of Nintendo/TPC/Game Freak. Pikachu and Eevee

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PICs and emerging Asia-especially China-has grown rapidly, although from a low base (Figure 3.2.2).PICs' exports to emerging Asia ...

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FOOD>HISTORY>EVERYTHING YOU NEED

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The 7 Continents and 5 Oceans of the World

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Today, we see the Earth as one of the huge planets, divided into seven continents and each continent contains many countries and surrounding areas. But this was not the case 4 billion years ago. At that time, the earth had a very hot temperature and it was very difficult for the inhabitants to live a life here. All the mountains and hilly areas we see today were not there at that time. Slowly and with due course, many rocks broke into pieces forming land and land was divided naturally. In addition to know about how were the continents formed, we have prepared a detailed report here. Kindly follow the report. Furthermore, many theories have come up since ancient times regarding the formation of continents. When it comes to continents, many of the longest debates have taken place among geologists, each one of them having their own opinions and set of theories which are strong with facts and proofs.

One such research was done by the Nagel team. The Nagels had studied some of the oldest rocks on Earth. Their main attention was on the south western region of Greenland's Isua region. This region had some of the oldest rocks and they were worth observing as they gave many facts about the continents and their formation. These continents are found near the basalt rocks which are found near ocean areas. The base of the seas and oceans are made up of this basalt rock. Both these rocks were very helpful to the Nagels as they believed that basalt rocks melted down due to high temperature on the planet. This led to the formation of continental rocks. Different types of rocks have different melting points. This makes it easy for the formation of continental rocks. They can also test the layers of rock and estimate its depth.

Many geologists were of the opinion that the earth's crust was made up after constant wear and tear of different rocks spread across the globe. They also have many evidences to support their point. The structure of minerals and rocks and the rock strata helped them to come to this partial conclusion. Continuous structures of rocks have helped them investigate more in this direction. There is a deep relation between the ancient rocks and their proximity with rocks of various types. The Earth is indeed very old. It was formed about 4.56 billion years ago. One study says that earth had evidence of water around 100 million years after it came into existence. Later on, the surface cooled down and continuous crust started spreading over large areas of the Earth. After another few billion years, the crush was seen to be unstable and uneven at some areas. This rock was melted down again and again by the molten magma let out during volcano eruptions. Outside forces like comets and asteroids also added to the melting of earth's crust at a high rate. This process was repeated continuously. The melting process and solidifying process was so frequent that a crust was formed. Even today, we can find such ancient rocks. Sometimes these rocks unite together to form a huge and continuous landmass while some times it is broken into smaller parts such that they drift apart from each other and scatter here and there. Today we have many cratons found in rocky areas. Cratons are nothing but smaller parts of the remains of ancient rocks and remains of the older continents and they grow thicker with time. It is a huge mass and normally survives most of the natural calamities. Many rocks break and join according to nature's demand but these cratons remain still such that they can survive most of the calamities.

Know more : The 7 Continents and 5 Oceans of the World

In ancient ages, one such continent which was formed from the Paleoarchean was the Vaalbara supercontinent. It was very vast and was bigger than what Australia is today. It was known as the 'supercontinent' because it was a huge landmass. Most of the Earth was ocean and sea, and parts of landmass were found here and there. This name is actually derived from two words i.e. Kaapvaal and Pilbara. These were two cratons which were connected once upon a time. Later on this super mass of rock started to breakup about 2.8 billion years ago. Talking about Arctic continent, it was formed around 2.5 billion years ago. This huge mass was formed from the Canadian Shield which was also known as Kenorland continent, the Greenland and Wyoming cratons. It was a huge mass and was located near the North Pole and hence it was named Arctica. The continent of Atlantica was another continent formed around 2.0 billion years back. It was a huge continuous mass of land extending over the northern area. It was made of mainly ancient cratons which at present are West and Central Africa and Northeastern South America. This land mass is now covered by the Atlantic Ocean.

Right now we have seven continents covering the whole earth but in ancient times many other continents had formed which may even exist today and might be somewhere deep down the seas and oceans. It was said the earth had a very hot climate as compared to today's weather. About 4 million years ago earth was one complete mass of land without any partitions but later on due to some wear and tear effect on the earth's crust, the land began to divide in two parts and later on with other climatic changes, earth was further divided. It was during this period that India got its first and one of the famous mountain ranges named Himalayas which stands still and strong even today. There is one more theory which supports the formation of earth's crust and various continents. It is said that about 4.5 billion years ago earth was a big mass of fire and used to move around in the space without any hindrance. The gases which were too hot used to escape in to the space but later on the temperature of earth's surface cooled down and gases were not able to escape then. With this, the earth's gravity increased and surrounding gases formed the atmosphere.

Earth has never been a stable planet. Many changes have taken place on the earth's crust as well as the rocks which have led to this present structure of earth that we can see today. Many changes have continuously taken place since the start of time. Life on earth came a long time after the formation of continents. Though we may be aware of only seven continents, there are many nameless continents submerged in the seas and oceans which are now declared as a continuous mass of land. Till now, so many theories have come and each one is as strong as the other. In future we might get some new theories which will be supported with more evidences and proofs. So this research is never ending as it is not so easy to track the details of the Earth and its existence four to five billion years ago.
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"How was the Continents Formed?" is a major question in front of all the geologists and scientists of today. Getting to know the exact roots is a difficult task. Several theories have been put forward through extensive researches to understand the formation of the land we live on today.

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Today, we see the Earth as one of the huge planets, divided into seven continents and each continent contains many countries and surrounding areas. But this was not the case 4 billion years ago. At that time, the earth had a very hot temperature and it was very difficult for the inhabitants to live a life here.

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 Emojis are originaly from Japan which is located Asia

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 Emojis are originaly from Japan which is located Asia

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Europe Facts # 1

Largest City: Istanbul

Europe Is the World's Second Smallest Continent

The current size of Europe is 3,930,000 square miles. Europe is the world's second smallest continent. It covers approximately 2% of the Earth's surface. Australia is the world's smallest continent and Asia is its largest.

There Are 50 Countries in Europe

Europe facts tell us there are 50 countries in Europe, including the world's smallest country, Vatican City. The most visited countries in Europe are France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Europe is home to five transcontinental countries that straddle the border between Europe and Asia. These countries are Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey. It's interesting to note that even though only part of Russia is on the European continent, it is still the largest country in Europe. Russia isn't the only transcontinental country of note - Turkey happens to be the home of the largest European city, Istanbul.

28 European Countries Are Members of the European Union

The European countries don't just share a continent and borders - they've also made many political and economic ties. Europe facts indicate the Council of Europe has 47 member states. Its focus is on democracy and human rights. It cannot make binding laws, but works to create standards for human rights in Europe, among other things. Belarus, Kazakhstan and Vatican City are not members of the Council of Europe.

Twenty-eight European countries have joined together to become the European Union. The European Union makes binding laws that serve to advance the economic and political goals of the area. Nineteen of the member states even use the euro as their currency.

The Name Europe Comes from Greek

Europe facts tell us the name Europe is believed to have derived from Greek. Europa was a princess in Greek Mythology. Homer also wrote of a Queen named Europe. Later, in 6 BC, Greek geographers used Europe as a geographic name. The modern understanding of what we know of as Europe was developed in the 19th Century.

Europe Gave Birth to Western Civilization

Europe has a unique claim to fame: it is the home continent of the Greeks who founded Western civilization. We can thank these early Europeans for democracy, philosophy, history, drama, verse, medicine and science.

Europe Has a Christian Majority

According to the Pew Foundation, about 5% of Europe's population is Muslim. This accounts for only 2.4% of all Muslims worldwide. Even though only 5% of the population of Europe identifies as Muslim, Islam is the second largest religion in Europe. In contrast, Europe is home to 26% of the world's Christians. 76% of Europeans identify as Christian, making this the most popular European religion. Europe facts show that 18% of Europeans are not affiliated with any religion.

European Cities Draw Curious Tourists

European cities are popular with tourists. Their rich cultural history makes them great destinations for art, food and history lovers. Paris is the most popular urban European destination. Barcelona, Rome, London and Berlin round out the top five European cities for tourism. The cities of Europe provide a rich experience, with museums, restaurants, and tours that cater to curious travellers.

World War I Ended Four European Empires

Europe has seen numerous wars among its constituent countries, but World War I drew countries from outside the continent. Most of the fighting during World War I was focused in Europe. It became a war of two sides: the Allies and the Central Powers. Initially, the Allies included the United Kingdom, France and Russia. The Central Powers were Germany and Austria-Hungary. Eventually, more countries joined these alliances, including the United States and Japan.

World War I was one of the largest wars the world has seen. World War I ended the German, Russian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires and led to a new map of Europe. The war also led to the formation of the League of Nations, which would set the foundation for the formation of the United Nations.

World War II Was the World's Largest War

Unfortunately, World War I left some European countries in turmoil. Twenty-one years later, a new war broke out; one that would become the largest war in modern history. Europe facts tell us World War II was the deadliest war on Earth and featured over 30 countries embroiled in combat over four continents.

World War II featured the Allies and the Axis as opponents. The Allies included the United Kingdom, Russia, Greece and the United States, among others. The Axis powers were formed by Italy, Japan and Germany. The Allies eventually triumphed over the Axis powers, leading to the sectioning of Germany into two parts and the formation of the United Nations as an international regulatory organization.

Several Popular Mountains Take Europeans to New Heights

Europe features numerous mountain ranges. The tallest mountain in Europe is Mount Elbrus in Russia. Popular mountain ranges include the Alps, the Carpathians, the Caucasus Mountains and the Pyrenees mountain range. These gorgeous mountain ranges are great for hiking and skiing. The mountains of Europe have long captured the imagination of visitors, with their snow-covered peaks and rustic chalets.

Europe Makes 44% of the World's Wine

There are 21 countries in the European Union that produce wine. The European Union regulates wine zones to ensure clear labeling of wine varieties to help vineyards and consumers. Europe facts indicate approximately 44% of the world's wine and raisins come from European Union vineyards. The three largest wine producing countries in the world are all EU members: Italy, France, and Spain.

The EU and the Council of Europe Both Have a Europe Day

Europe Day is a day of unity for European countries. Unfortunately, this may not be helped by having two separate days to celebrate! The Council of Europe inaugurated the first Europe Day as the day of its creation, May 5 1949. The European Union, on the other hand, recognizes May 9 as Europe Day. They began celebrating Europe day in 1950.

Europe Has the World's Richest Economy

One third of the world's wealth is located in Europe. Europe is the world's richest continent, even though it is the second smallest. The European Union is the world's largest economic area, with 18 countries sharing a single currency, the euro.

The Second Most Active Volcano in the World is in Europe

Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano. Located in Sicily, Mount Etna last exploded in 2014, though it is constantly active. Mount Etna is the world's second most active volcano. The world's most active volcano is Kilauea in Hawaii.

Europe Contains Both the Smallest and Largest Countries in the World

Europe is home to the world's smallest and largest countries. Vatican City, located within Rome, is considered the world's smallest independent state. It is 0.2 square miles big. Russia is the world's largest country with an area of 6,602,000 square miles. Europe facts inform us that most of Russia's land is located in Asia; however the European part of Russia contains about 77% of the Russian population.

Europe Facts - Facts about Europe Summary

Europe is the world's second smallest continent. It is comprised of 50 countries, 47 of which are united as the Council of Europe. Twenty-eight countries are in the European Union, which sets economic and political laws for the region. Europe gave birth to Western civilization and continues to be a popular tourist destination. European countries include the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and Germany. The most popular cities in Europe are Paris, Barcelona, Rome, London and Berlin.

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Largest City: Istanbul The current size of Europe is 3,930,000 square miles. Europe is the world's second smallest continent. It covers approximately 2% of the Earth's surface. Australia is the world's smallest continent and Asia is its largest. Europe facts tell us there are 50 countries in Europe, including the world's smallest country, Vatican City.

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Michelle Koga

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Factslides a high traffic content website (over 1 million visits / month) that takes relevant and complex information from NGOs, think tanks, journals, specialized magazines and media and converts it into colorful and animated slideshows that are easy and fun to read, making the information accessible to students, teachers and curious minds for fun, research, lesson planning, and homework.

Factslides is dedicated to provide well-sourced and verified information that will help young people access the information and critical thinking skills they need to make our world a better place.

Launched in July, 2013, it has shown its facts over 1000 million times, and was selected among the Top 100 websites of 2013 by the prestigious PC Magazine, and as one of the 99 Sites That Every Professional Should Know About by BusinessInsider. It was also featured in sites such as The Awesomer, Design Taxi, I-Am-Bored.com, Neatorama, and DONG, a YouTube show with over a million subscribers.

How do I know your facts are credible? All facts are verified and well sourced. The source URL is located at the bottom of each fact.

Can I use your facts on my site / video / whatever? You sure can. Just be sure to include a link back to FACTSlides.com as your source.

I found a mistake or have a suggestion! What should I do? Contact us!

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Factslides a high traffic content website (over 1 million visits / month) that takes relevant and complex information from NGOs, think tanks, journals, specialized magazines and media and converts it into colorful and animated slideshows that are easy and fun to read, making the information accessible to students, teachers and curious minds for fun, research, lesson planning, and homework.

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Learn more about the 7 Continents - http://www.whatarethe7continents.com/ - What Are the 7 Continents of Planet Earth? - This is answered and more. Explore the seven continents that make up our world presented in a fun, easy and gratifying way.

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Europe is the world's second-smallest continent but has the second-largest population. The landscape ranges from the frozen tundra and forests of the north to the hot, dry hills of the Mediterranean region. Vast fertile grasslands stretch between the mountains of the Alps in the west and the Ural Mountains in the east, which separate Europe from Asia. Europe is a crowded continent, with over 40 different countries, and international conflicts in the past century have often erupted into war. Today, the majority of people live in cities and many enjoy a high standard of living, thanks to their countries' abundant natural resources, successful agriculture, and modern industries.

Total land area: 4,053,309 sq miles (10,498,000 sq km)

Total population: 696 million

Largest country: Russian Federation (European section) 1,527,341 sq miles (3,955,818 sq km)

Smallest country: Vatican City 0.17 sq miles (0.44 sq km)

Largest country population: Russian Federation (whole country) 143 million

Largest lake: Ladoga, Russian Federation 7,100 sq miles (18,390 sq km)

Longest river: Volga, Russian Federation 2,290 miles (3,688 km)

Highest point: El'brus, Caucasus Mountains, Russian Federation 18,510 ft (5,642 m)

Copyright © 2007 Dorling Kindersley

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Europe is the world's second-smallest continent but has the second-largest population. The landscape ranges from the frozen tundra and forests of the north to the hot, dry hills of the Mediterranean region. Vast fertile grasslands stretch between the mountains of the Alps in the west and the Ural Mountains in the east, which separate Europe from Asia.

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Our South America Facts for Kids bring you lots of interesting and fun facts on the South American continent.

South America is the fourth largest continent in size and the fifth largest when we consider population. The continent is located in the western hemisphere and mainly in the southern hemisphere.

Top 20 South America Facts

1. There are 12 countries in South America (see list on the right) and 3 dependencies with a total of more than 385 million people living on the continent.

2. Largest Country: Brazil. The country is covering more than half the continent's landmass. Did you know that Brazil is only slightly smaller than the USA?

3. Largest City: Sao Paolo in Brazil. With more than 21 million inhabitants (2019) Sao Paulo is also one of the ten biggest cities in the world.

4. Smallest Country: Suriname. The country is one of the 10 most sparsely populated countries in the world.

5. Biggest Island: Tierra del Fuego (Spanish meaning: Land of Fire), at the southern tip of Argentina and Chile

6. Longest River: Amazon River (6,437metres/4,000miles). The Amazon is not only the second longest river in the world after the Nile, but also the Amazon carries more water than the world's other 10 biggest rivers combined!

7. Highest Mountain: Aconcagua in Argentina. The mountain (6,961metres/22,837ft) is located in the Andes mountain range.

The Aconcagua is considered the second highest of the world's Seven Summits after Mount Everest which is in Asia.

8. Biggest Lake: Lake Titicaca (shared by Bolivia and Peru)

9. Driest Place: While South America's rain forests also are some of the wettest places on the earth, the Atacama desert in Chile is considered the driest place on earth. Read more about the world's deserts here.

10. There are two landlocked countries in South America: Paraguay and Bolivia are located in the interior of the continent and have neither access to the Atlantic Ocean nor to the Pacific Ocean.

More South America Facts

11. History: Evidence of human life in South America dates back to 10,000 BC. One of the earliest South American civilisations are recorded in Peru. South America was colonised from the late 15th century by foreign conquistadores mainly from Spain and Portugal, but also from the Dutch, British and French.

12. People of South America: The Incas were the largest group of indigenous people in South America when the Europeans arrived. The Incan Empire lasted from 1438 until 1533. Indigenous cultures still are present in South America but the numbers are diminishing. There are still Arawaks and Caribs in Venezuela as well as Guarani in Brazil.

13. Languages in South America: Spanish is the main language in South American countries, only in Brazil people speak Portuguese and in Surinam, formerly a Dutch colony, the official language is still Dutch. Many people speak also English as a second language. Quechua, the language spoken by the Inca, is the most common indigenous language.

14. Religion: Most of the South American people are Catholics (90%), some Protestants, Jews and some indigenous people have their indigenous beliefs.

15. Tourist attractions in South America: The most popular attractions are:

Macchu Picchu in Peru

Iguazu Falls in Argentina/Brazil

Angel Falls in Venezuela

Rio de Janeiro and its Carnival in Brazil

Patagonia in Argentina/Chile

Amazon in Ecuador

Pantanal in Paraguay/Brazil

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile

16. Biggest Cities: The most populous city in South America is Sao Paulo. Almost half of the population of the South American continent lives in Brazil.

Other big cities in South America are:

Lima (Peru)

Bogota (Colombia)

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Santiago (Chile)

Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Did you know? The southernmost city in the world is on the South American continent! The city is called Ushuaia, is located on the Argentinian part of the Tierra del Fuego and more than 55,000 people live there. Read more about Argentina here.

17. Animals: In South America there are tapirs, piranhas and anacondas and many other animals.

South America is also home to many endangered animals such as the jaguar, the giant otter or the Amazonian manatee.

18. Main natural resources in South America are minerals such as iron ore (used to make steel) or copper and agricultural produce such as corn, coffee, wheat, soybean and cocoa.

19. Nature superlatives:

Atacama desert is the driest place in South America

Angel Falls are the world's highest waterfalls

Amazon River Basin is the world's largest river basin

The Andes are the world's longest mountain range

20. South America's landscape is dominated from mountains and highlands such as the Andes, river basins such as the Amazon and Orinoco and coastal plains where the Atacama Desert also belongs to.

Countries in South America that are located in the Northern Hemisphere:

Venezuela

Guyana

Suriname

French Guiana

and (the northern regions of) Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil

Popular Pages

Useful Resources for South America Facts:

CIA World Fact Book. Brazil. Accessed 30 September 2019

National Geographic. South America - Physical Geography. Last Updated 4 January 2012. Accessed 30 September 2019

National Geographic: World Atlas for Young Explorers. Washington: 2010. pages 86-92

Earth Condensed. The World Atlas by Millennium House. 2009

Image Credits on South America Facts page: Shutterstock.com and wikipedia commons Return from South America Facts to Kids-World-Travel-Guide Homepage

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South America Facts for Kids | Geography | Attractions | People

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Our South America Facts for Kids bring you lots of interesting and fun facts on the South American continent. South America is the fourth largest continent in size and the fifth largest when we consider population. The continent is located in the western hemisphere and mainly in the southern hemisphere.

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FOOD,HISTORY,EVREY THING YOU NEEEEED

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australia m-21

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Largest Country: Algeria by area and Namibia by population

You'll Find Unique Plant Life in Southern Africa

The first of our Africa facts concerns the interesting flora and fauna of the country. The southern part of Africa is well-known for being incredibly dry and arid, with much desert and grassland. However, it is here you will find a unique species of flora called Fynbos. The name comes from the word "fine bush" in Afrikaans and refers to a particular type of heath or shrub land which is only found in the western cape of South Africa.

Africa Is Home to 5 Famous Record Breaking Animals

The second of our Africa facts tells us a bit about the continent's animal kingdom. While the wildlife is, generally speaking, very diverse in Africa, some of the most well-known animals are record breakers. The world's largest mammal, the African elephant is found here, as is the fastest land animal on Earth - the cheetah. You'll find the gorilla, which is the world's largest primate, and the Nile crocodile, which is the world's largest reptile. Finally, Africa is also home to the world's tallest mammal - the giraffe.

There Are Believed to Be around 3,000 Different African Tribes

However, some people think this figure might be a gross underestimation, with the real number much, much higher! The oldest tribe in the country is believed to be the San who live in the Kalahari Desert and are now a farming tribe. However, thousands of years ago they were actually hunter/gatherers. Probably the most well-known and recognizable tribe is the Tutsi. This tribe is the second largest caste in Rwanda and Burundi.

Africans Were among the First People to Mummify Their Dead

The next of our Africa facts centers on the culture surrounding death and the afterlife. It is believed that African people were among the first to mummify the corpses of their dead - almost 9,000 years ago. This fact was discovered when the mummified body of an infant child was found in Uan Muhuggiag in southern Libya. The child's body was found curled in the fetal position and the technique used to mummify it was very sophisticated for the time.

All Human History Has Its Roots in Africa

The oldest known human remains have all been excavated from sites in east Africa. Human remains found in Ethiopia were dated back to at least 200,000 years ago. The oldest known ancestral type of pre-human skeleton found on the continent is called australopithecus ramidus, and these ancestors were known to exist around 4.4 million years ago.

Africa Used to Be Joined to 4 Other Continents

The next of our interesting Africa facts tells us about its geography. Before humans inhabited the continent, it was joined to what would later become four other present day continents - South America, India, Antarctica and Australia. These future continents all made up one giant landmass called Pangaea. Over millions of years this mass of land eventually broke apart into the various continents we know today - with their wildly varying climates. We call this phenomena continental drift and the term was established in 1912 by Alfred Weneger.

Africa's Sahara Dessert Is the Largest in the World

The Sahara is the world's largest non-polar desert. It measures some 3.5 million square miles in surface area. It is found in the northern half of the country and actually covers huge sections of the following countries: Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan and Tunisia.

90% of All the World's Malaria Cases Occur in Africa

This sad statistic is made even worse when we find out that as many as 3,000 infants die each day from the disease on the continent. This might not come as such a surprise when you find out that parts of Africa are so poor that some people have only $0.70 per day to live on.

Africa Is Home to the World's Longest River - The Nile

Another of our fascinating Africa facts surrounds another record breaking geographical feature of the continent. The River Nile is a staggering 4,160 miles in length. Most people associate this famous river with Egypt. However, although a good proportion of the river does flow through that country (22%) it also flows through Congo, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia. The banks of the river in Ethiopia are where the world's first and oldest civilizations were once found.

Lake Assal Is Africa's Lowest Point

Lake Assal is located in Dijibouti and is what is known as a crater lake. It is located at around 500 feet (155 meters) below sea level. Assal also happens to be the world's largest salt reserve. It is thought that the concentration of salt there is 10 times stronger than it generally is in the sea.

Africans Pioneered Basic Arithmetic

One of our really fascinating Africa facts surrounds math! Around 25,000 years ago the most basic form of arithmetic was pioneered in Africa. In actual fact we can be fairly precise about the exact location in which this took place - a tool called the Ishango bone was found in the Congo. It is a very basic piece of equipment with notches carved into it that can be used to help with basic multiplication, addition and subtraction techniques.

In Africa Hippos Kill More People than Lions or Crocodiles

This is one of our strange but true Africa facts. Male hippos are incredibly territorial and will attack anyone who interferes with their space. Females of the species are also notoriously protective of their young and will make moves to attack anyone they feel is a threat to them or their offspring. Both male and female hippos have incredibly sharp teeth and huge canine jaws. Between them, these features can pack a mighty punch and can cause serious injury.

Africa's People Make Up 15% of the World's Entire Population

It is estimated that there are as many as one billion people across the African continent as a whole. This huge population encompassing some of the world's poorest countries has led to problems in many regions. Over half the people in Africa are under 25, and life expectancy is generally low, due to poor health care and poor infrastructure in many nations.

Africa Was First Explored by Humans in 322 BC

This is one of our most important and interesting historical Africa facts. It was around this time that Alexander the Great first founded Alexandria. After this, the Roman Empire began to try and integrate and include a great proportion of the Mediterranean coastline of northern Africa into their empire.

The Term "Evil Eye" Originates in Africa

Many of us are familiar with this term and use it in a derogatory fashion, but most of us are unaware of where it comes from. Some African people are very superstitious, and believe that giving anyone the evil eye can cause great harm, or even sickness and death. In Morocco, for example, some men paint or embroider red eyes onto the back of their clothes to effectively counteract the potential danger of evil eyes.

In the 1950s Libya Became the First African Nation to Declare Independence

The 1950s were a decade of great upheaval and change in the country of Libya. At this time, many of the countries within Africa sought to gain freedom from imperial rule and Libya was the first to manage to achieve this. This fight for freedom inspired the US Civil Rights movement and made people like Malcolm X famous for wanting to push for further rights and freedoms in their own countries.

Africa Facts - Facts about Africa Summary

Facts about Africa tell us that the country was first explored by humans in 322 BC, and that we can actually trace the origins of human life back to Ethiopia, millions of years ago. The Africans were the first people to mummify their dead. In terms of geography, the continent has the world's longest river, the Nile, and is also home to the Sahara, which is the world's largest desert!

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Largest Country: Algeria by area and Namibia by population The first of our Africa facts concerns the interesting flora and fauna of the country. The southern part of Africa is well-known for being incredibly dry and arid, with much desert and grassland. However, it is here you will find a unique species of flora called Fynbos.

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interesting facts about south america M9

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interesting facts about south america M9

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Most Popular Sport: Football

South America Is the 4th Largest Continent in the World

South America is located in the Southern hemisphere, and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. The continent covers some 6,890,000 square miles of land, with the region's geography dominated by the Andes Mountains and the Amazon River. South America is very diverse, and is home to the vast Amazon Rainforest, grasslands like the Pampas Plain and savannahs such as the Atacama Desert.

South America Is Home to 6 of the World's Most Unusual and Exciting Animals

The most unusual of all of these is the agouti, which is a rodent. It is closely related to the guinea pig and varies in color from light brown to red, typically having light colored underparts. The agouti is covered in coarse, short hair which raises up in spikes when the animal is frightened or alarmed. More well-known animals native to the country are species such as llamas, chinchillas and armadillos, but Argentina is also home to deadly anacondas known for their ability to be able to wrap round their animal kingdom victims and crush their bones. Finally, there is the anteater, known for its very large fore claws, which can easily tear open ant mounds. This animal has very long fur, which protects them from being bitten and attacked by the insects they feast on.

There Are 10 Spanish Speaking Countries in South America

..or 9. It all depends on whether you decide to count Panama or not. Some people believe that this country doesn't count towards the final tally as it is the dividing line between Central and Southern America, while others will add it in. South America is a very diverse continent in terms of its languages. Portuguese is of course one of the main spoken languages, but there are a great many people that also speak Dutch, French and English too.

South America's Climate Is Mostly Hot and Wet, but It Is also Home to the Driest Desert on Earth

The Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is believed to hold this title. It covers a 621 mile (1000 kilometer) strip of land. Most of the land mass is populated by sand, salt lakes and stony terrain. The average rainfall for the entire year is believed to be only 0.5 fluid ounces. It is reported that some of the weather stations in the area set up to record statistics on the desert have never received a single drop of rain!

3 of the World's Greatest Empires Originate in South America

The Mayans, Aztecs and Incas all have their roots in South America - and they were among the wealthiest, yet most mysterious, colonies in the world. The Aztecs were considered to be the most powerful until the year 1519, when a Spanish army leader called Hernando Cortez launched a war against them. The Aztecs, though wealthy, had very little in the way of advanced weaponry and could not fight back against Cortez and his soldiers. This marked the end of their power. After this time, the Spanish started to colonize more of South America and tried to tap into the region's vast natural resources.

Argentina, One of the Largest Countries in South America, Takes Its Name from the Word "Silver"

One of the most fascinating South America Facts is how the country came to be named. Argentina was formerly called The United Provinces of the Rio De La Plata, but took its new name after a legend sprang up that there was a large treasure of silver hidden away in the mountainous regions of the country. The name is derived from the Latin Argentum and dates back to the 16th century when explorers from Spain and Portugal came to the country to look for this treasure.

The Largest Rainforest in the World Is in South America

The Amazon rainforest is 2,123,562 square miles (4 million square kilometers) in area and is home to some 2.5 million different types of insect species. Not only that, but it also contains one fifth of the world's freshwater. It also shares its name with a river that has another amazing statistic: the Amazon River is actually the world's second longest.

South American Music Is World Famous

Music traditions such as samba, tango and cumbia originate in these lands. Samba was made famous by Brazilian musicians, and one of its most famous exponents was the singer and movie star Carmen Miranda, who did more to bring the music to the mainstream in the 20th century than anyone else. Cumbia is probably one of the least well-known forms of South American music. It originates in Columbia and the sounds form part of courtship rituals and dances between people from the country. It is a fusion between African and Amerindian traditions.

The Nazca Lines Are a Jaw Dropping Feat of Geology

Scholars believe these ancient lines, located in Peru, were created between 450-600AD. Calling them lines does them an injustice, though, as they are an intricate and truly beautiful set of images of different animals and creatures. The only reason they have been preserved is because of the climate in Peru. It was originally believed that these images were only viewable from the air, though this theory has been disproved to an extent as climbers who have traversed the surrounding foothills have claimed to have seen them from the top of their ascents.

South America's Condor Is the World's Largest Flying Bird

The condor is a type of vulture and is native to Peru, Ecuador and Chile. It is also the main symbol on the coat of arms of Colombia. It has a wingspan of almost 10 feet (3 meters), but, sadly, due to aggressive hunting in the countries it originates from, it is in danger of extinction. The condor was widely believed to kill livestock so was frequently killed for this reason; however, this has now been found to be untrue and there are efforts being made to preserve and sustain the remaining birds.

South America Facts - Facts about South America Summary

South America is a continent of many interesting juxtapositions. There are 12 countries within South America. Nine or 10 of these speak Spanish, depending on whether you class Panama as part of South America. South America Facts also tell us it is home to some of the world's most unusual animal species. South America pioneered Samba music. It is home to the world's largest rainforest and also the most arid desert in the world.

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Most Popular Sport: Football South America is located in the Southern hemisphere, and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. The continent covers some 6,890,000 square miles of land, with the region's geography dominated by the Andes Mountains and the Amazon River.

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isaiah kozumplik

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Visiting all seven continents is no easy task. What is it about our love of exploration that leads us into the unknown? Is it the old adage that the grass is always greener on the other side? Or is it just the lust for adventure and finding out what we cannot see or have yet to experience?

Lots of consistent travelers that I have met over the years strive to reach the seven continent achievement. If there were eight or nine continents then we would strive to reach those as well.

The Europeans are known for colonizing and exploring the world. Many do not realize at one point in history the Chinese Emperor called his Navy back from that same mission. What would the world have been like if South America or even the United States was colonized by the Chinese?

The endless dream of traveling deeper and deeper into space has benefited all of our lives. The number of spin-off inventions from NASA are endless. They can be found in everything from technology to the health industry. This must be the reason why everyone says that travel is the best teacher.

If I had to do it over again I would spend the mere $100,000 I spent borrowed from a private university to travel the world for years. I have learned more traveling than I ever could in the classroom.

Not to say that university isn't a good decision because it is always a good idea to have something to fall back on. Kids... Stay in school.
I am very lucky to say that I am semiretired at 29 years old.
I will remain 29 years for some time since people act weird when you hit 30. My profession, what I do for a living, I do not consider a job. I love what I do day trading and traveling around the world and therefore consider it just a way of life.

As I have traveled over the years my definition of both success and meaning of life have changed.

Among the big time money managers and investors there's always the question, what's your number? The infamous question can be seen in the movie Wall Street 2. Many times the number involves a lot of zeros into the hundreds of millions to be exact.

My journey traveling actually led me to the United States. As I escaped the wrath of an economic meltdown in Venezuela a new life was made in the land of opportunity.
BOOM. Six years old two continents.
Growing up in the superficial culture of the United States I yearned for what most young people yearn for; beauty, fame, and fortune. Now my only definition of success acquires me to have my freedom. The simple concept of having enough money to not worry about money.

I did what any good son what supposed to do when I finished college. What I wasn't supposed to do was pick up and leave to live in Italy for nearly 2 years while I took a sabbatical from university.
20 years old three continents.
The current adventure began when I decided to leave the United States for good. Since I am able to make a living with a reliable Internet connection I didn't have to be anywhere in the world. I didn't want to be in the United States for both economic and cultural reasons.

To ease the transition of my new nomadic lifestyle I moved to Canada which hosts a similar culture to the United States. Different enough since every Canadian is adamant about not being called American.

We are just loud, obnoxious, and fat! There are worse things in the world right?

Canada was different enough but still a first world country where I could find things easily. They also speak English in Canada, fancy that!

I happened to sell my car that I was still making $300 monthly payments to (in the USA) on the day before I left to my next destination, Argentina.

Some of the reasons why I travel our business based. I wanted to travel to every country in South America and you there was trouble on the horizon for Argentina. I wanted to see the entire country before the economic situation began to deteriorate significantly.

Argentina is one of the most incredible countries in the world. It has everything that a tourist could ever ask for in a bite-size package.

Now Argentina is in a currency crisis. In an effort to keep the money in the country all Argentinean citizens now pay an extra 20% tax to travel outside the country. There is great steak, did not bother learning tango, and enjoyed one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world in Buenos Aires.

After Argentina came Chile with a brief two week layoff in Antarctica. An interaction with a family of penguins ensued followed by a swim in the coldest waters in the world.

Oh, I did also witness some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Four Continents.
Argentina is more European while Chile more similar to the United States. Chile happens to be the only first world country in South America. The driest place on Earth can be found in the Atacama Desert, gorgeous snow peaked mountains, Easter island of course (which I visited just last year), and incredible landscapes in the South. Picturesque lakes and mountains in addition to efficiency is the reason why they call Chile the Switzerland of the South.

From the border of Chile I visited Bolivia and walked on water. See below. Speechless.

Shortly after I found a home in Medellin, Colombia. The city that lacks major tourist attractions makes up for it with culture and fantastic people. The city of the eternal spring hosts immaculate weather year round and one can witness incredible views as the city lies in valley of the Andes Mountains.

Colombia is nowhere near as dangerous as previously thought, I would highly recommend a visit.

I visited all three countries in South America that many people don't even know exist, the Guianas. The three countries on the top right of the continent nestled in between Venezuela and Brazil. All three interesting in their own right.

Life in Africa began after Colombia. I was able to experience a completely unique culture by living in both Ethiopia and Kenya.
BOOM. Five Continents.
I had the pleasure to explore all of Eastern Africa; I walked and played with cheetahs and Lions, went on Safari, swam and walked on the cliff of one of the largest waterfalls in the world, and even explored ancient civilizations.

This doesn't even begin to cover the recently opened Stone Forrest in Madagascar, Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, or feeding wild Hyenas (with my mouth).

The challenges that come from living in Africa were also experienced with Internet shortages as the rain poured, con men, and the difficulties of getting around. I was arrested and detained in the newest country in the world, South Sudan, and even drove into Somalia (Somaliland) by the president's adviser.

All in all, Africa is an incredible place.

Fast forward to Brazil and now we are enjoying intoxicating Caipirinhas and one of the most popular beaches in the world.

Everything from Carnival, parties, to meeting new business associates happened in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil is on the rise and the World Cup is going to be just the beginning.

I was fortunate to travel from the northern coast all the way down to Florianopolis finding hidden gems along the way. What I now call the Brazilian Maldives, Jericoacoara, is an incredible sight to see.

For a visa run I visited Peru as well as Easter island. Machu Picchu really is as impressive as they say it is and the serenity on Easter island is nothing like I have ever witnessed.

The only continents left on my list at this point at roughly 28 years old and 30 pounds heavier were Asia and Australia.

I lived in India for three months witnessing the extremes of the subcontinent but still needed to visit "Asia proper."
Six Continents.
India should be one of the most visited countries in the world. The land of contrasts has so much to offer and the Taj Mahal is an indescribable majestic work of art.

To try to describe what it feels to be in its presence would be to try and re-create the Mona Lisa. It is just not possible.

In college I had already lived in Italy and in between some of my trips I had visited London, Spain, and Germany. I have often preferred traveling to unheard of destinations rather than Europe but things change.

Before my current destination I was able to experience Jordan. We ran a contest and not only brought someone to Jordan all expenses paid, but also provided a free one year training program to learn how to day trade with our Day Trading Academy. Jordan was an unexpected treat and I can't wait to share our experience there!

This brings us to our current predicament. I have been in Singapore now for the better part of the few weeks and will be living here for the next month. I had a one of the best first experiences in Thailand with a yacht party by my friends at Life Before Work Travel. The only continent left at this point is Australia.

I organized my bathers (bathing suit and Aussie lingo) and my sunnies (sunglasses and Aussie lingo) and proceeded to spend a week in Sydney.
Seven Continents.
The city has such a different vibe than any city I have been in. It's trying to combine New York City and Asia with a sprinkle of England on the top.

Just a sprinkle.

Really look forward to heading back and exploring Australia in detail. What does one do after visiting all seven continents? It isn't easy to travel at the pace I've kept for the last few years. I plan to settle down in the only place I've called home the last three years, Colombia.

There I will try to open my first day trading center to teach locals how to trade my money. I also will visit Ecuador and the incredible Galapagos islands. That would complete nearly every single tourist attraction in all of South America.

It is hard to say where I will go next.

At the same time I may have some company. There is a Wandering Trader family that I plan to introduce in addition to someone named Honcho Extreme. Keyword Extreme. Look forward to continuing to share my stories, Marcello Arrambide he and the WanderingTrader chronicles continue.....

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Final Frontier: Visiting All Seven Continents

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Visiting all seven continents is no easy task. What is it about our love of exploration that leads us into the unknown? Is it the old adage that the grass is always greener on the other side? Or is it just the lust for adventure and finding out what we cannot see or have yet to experience?

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia website for asia

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Exploring the facts of our world can be inspiring, interesting, and perhaps even entertaining. This list of facts about the 7 continents is an evolving piece of information that we wish to add to over time. Below you will find an interesting list of scarcely known facts about the continents that make up our world.

From the windiest continent to the highest continent to the largest...some of these facts may surprise you.These are great facts for school projects, talking points, and even for trivia. Imagine the possibilities if you were able to commit them to memory! Know any facts about the seven continents that you think should be added here? Leave them in the comments section below!

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7 Continent Facts | The 7 Continents of the World

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Exploring the facts of our world can be inspiring, interesting, and perhaps even entertaining. This list of facts about the 7 continents is an evolving piece of information that we wish to add to over time. Below you will find an interesting list of scarcely known facts about the continents that make up our world.

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interesting facts about north america M9

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interesting facts about north america M9

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North America Facts # 1

Countries: 23

North America Is the Third Largest Continent in The World

The most basic of North America facts is that it is a continent, the third largest in the world after Asia and Africa. North America is located in the Northern Hemisphere, and most of it is also in the Western Hemisphere. The continent is bordered by several oceans: the Arctic ocean to the north, the Pacific to the south and west and the Atlantic to the east. To the southeast, North America is bordered by both South America and the Caribbean Sea. North America covers an area of approximately 9.5 million square miles. This measures in as 16.5% of the Earth's total land area.

There Are 23 Countries in North America

When we think of the North American continent, we tend to think of its largest and most powerful country, the USA. One of the most surprising North America facts therefore is that there are actually 23 countries on the continent, along with dozens more territories and possessions. These include Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Bermuda and all of the Central American and Caribbean countries. By far the most populous of these countries is the USA, which in 2014 had an estimated population of 319.4 million. The second most populous country is Canada, with 35.5 million residents. Guatemala comes in third, with 15.8 million.

The Core of the Continent Is 1-1.5 Billion Years Old

One of the most extraordinary North America facts concerns just how old the land is. At the geological heart of all continents are cratons, the oldest and most stable parts, usually found in the center of tectonic plates. The craton at the core of North America is called Laurentia, and was formed during the Proterozoic era. Throughout several geological eras, North America was joined to other continents, including the ancient Pangaea and Eurasia. Pangaea was a supercontinent containing most of the earth's landmass, and was located in the Southern Hemisphere. Around 200 million years ago, when Pangaea drifted apart, North America began to separate into its own continent. North and South America were connected when the Ithmus of Panama formed, around 3 million years ago. The Great Lakes, on the other hand, are a relatively recent feature − they are the result of receding glacial activity, which occurred around 10,000 years ago.

North America Has Been Populated for at Least 15,000 Years

If you asked people for North America facts, many might remember that Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492. Some might even point out the fact that Norse settlers arrived some time earlier, in the 11th century. But, in fact, scientists believe that the first indigenous peoples came to the continent around 15,000 years ago. These were Paleo-Indians, who migrated from Eurasia. How they did this we can only speculate, but the majority of scientists believe it was by crossing a land bridge which once existed in the Bering Strait between modern Alaska and Siberia. In North America, they began to develop more organized societies, and practiced more agriculture, for example in the pre-Columbian culture along the Mississippi river. They also continued moving down into modern day Central and South America.

The Early North Americans Formed Empires

There are many intriguing North America facts about how native societies developed before European colonization. The continent was divided into informal culture areas, in which the climate and geography of each zone determined the way people lived. In the Great Plains, for example, tribes of bison hunters developed, whereas in Central America, agrarian societies were formed. But as well as small tribal cultures, vast and impressive empires were formed in this era. These include the Maya Civilization, which was established in 2000 BCE. The Mayans built temples and pyramids in the region of south Mexico and Guatemala, and created a complex calendar and writing system. Later, there was also the Aztec Empire, the capital of which was located in the Valley of Mexico. This empire was formed by the union of three Nahua city states in 1428.

Europe Colonized North America in the Age of Discovery

Returning to our most famous North America facts, it is true that Columbus discovered the Americas for Spain in 1492. This began an era of colonization in which European nation states took over great swaths of the Americas. Spain, France and Britain established territories in North America and, by the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these territories were hosting independence movements, most famously the American War of Independence. These movements led to the formation of several countries. The United States of America were formed from 13 British colonies, while Canada was the result of a unification between British and French territory.

This colonization of the New World had devastating effects upon the native population. One of the most tragic North America facts is that this era saw the introduction of European diseases to the Americas, killing vast swaths of the native populations. In addition, violent clashes and wars led to the destruction of many native societies. Along with direct human cost, this also led to the extinction of several linguistic groups and the loss of cultural knowledge and folklore.

North America Is Named after an Italian Explorer

Between 1497 and 1502, a group of Europeans, including the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci and two German cartographers, Matthias Ringmann and Martin Waldseemüller, were exploring South America. Vespucci was the first European who thought that the Americas were not the East Indies, as had previously been assumed, but an entirely different landmass. In honor of this, his German companions decided to name the continent after him − on a 1507 map, Waldseemüller wrote "America" on the South American continent. He initially took the Latinate version of the name, Americus Vespucius, but then chose to use the feminine form America.

North America's Geography Includes All the Major Biomes

One of the most astonishing North America facts tells us how incredibly diverse the continent's geography is. A biome is defined as a community of plant and animal life which is spread throughout an extensive area of fairly uniform climate. In North America, you can find every single one of the earth's major biomes! These include tropical rainforest, grassland, desert, tundra and coral reef. Unsurprisingly, given this diversity, there are many famous and spectacular geographical features on the North American continent. These include the Appalachian Mountains and Rocky Mountains, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls and many more.

There Are 965 Species of Mammal in North America

When it comes to North America facts, the diverse and exciting wildlife must be mentioned. Since there are so many biomes present on this vast continent, there are an enormous variety of habitats that different mammals can feel at home in, from swampy wetlands to dry mountain ranges, and scorching deserts to fertile farmlands. This is why, out of 5416 known species of mammal on the planet, approximately 965 can be found in North America. Famous examples of such mammals include small creatures such as rabbits, hares, squirrels, possums, and raccoons, and larger ones such as deer, coyote and beaver. Then of course there are the continent's most iconic mammals, the large predators such as the bear, wolf and cougar. The oceans around North America are also home to an incredibly diverse range of inhabitants, including whales, dolphins and sharks.

100s of Languages Are Spoken in North America

Given the continent's complex history, there are many North America facts relating to languages, both indigenous ones and those that arrived with colonization. Before the Age of Discovery, there were at least 1000 different languages among the native population! During the decline of the native population, however, many of these went extinct, and sadly relatively few now survive. To take the United States as an example, the country now has a population of approximately 2.81 million Indian Americans. Within this population, Navajo has by far the most speakers, with around 170,000 Americans speaking Navajo at home. In Canada, the most widely spoken indigenous language is the group Cree, with roughly 117,000 speakers.

In terms of European languages spoken today, linguistic patterns follow the history of colonization. English is the main language spoken in the USA, for example, while Spanish is the second, and the first language in Mexico. In Canada, French is the mother tongue of around 30% of the population. Danish was one of the official languages of Greenland until 2009, and is still spoken by most of the population. In the Caribbean region, many Creole languages are spoken.

Mexico City Is the Largest City in North America

When it comes to North America facts relating to cities, there are many famous locations which could be discussed, from Canada's Toronto and Montreal to The USA's New York, Los Angeles or Chicago, to name but a few. However, of all the urban centers on the North American continent, Mexico City is the largest by population. It is estimated that there are 8.85 million people in the city proper, and over 20 million in the greater metropolitan area. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, and an important global city. It is one of the most important financial sectors in North America − in 2011, for example, the city had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $411 billion. The economy of Mexico City is so enormous that the city alone generates the same wealth as the whole of Peru!

North America Has Hosted the Olympics 12 Times

There are many fascinating Olympic North America facts. The continent has hosted the modern games 12 times in total. The first time that a North American country hosted the games was in 1904, in St. Louis Missouri, USA. Since then, the US has been home to seven other games, more than any other country in the world. These include winter games in Lake Placid, Squaw Valley and Salt Lake City, and summer games in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Canada has also hosted the Olympics several times, in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver, while the 1968 summer games were held in Mexico City.

Lake Superior Is the Largest Fresh Water Lake in The World

There are countless North America facts relating to astonishing geographical features, but a special mention must go to Lake Superior, on the border of the USA and Canada. This is the largest of North America's Great Lakes, and with a surface area of 31,700 square miles, it is considered the largest fresh water lake in the world by surface area. Lake Superior is bordered by Canada's Ontario, along with the USA's Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The 7 Countries of Central America Use 6 Different Currencies

Although Central America is technically part of the North American continent, we tend not to mention the region when it comes to North America facts, because many of us think of it as very separate. This is also true when it comes to currency. While Panama and El Salvador have adopted the US Dollar as their officially currency, a variety of currencies are still used in the rest of Central America, including the Belize dollar, Nicaraguan córdoba, the Guatemalan quetzal and the Honduran lempira.

John Rut Wrote the First Ever Letter from North America

The continent may now have high-functioning international postal services, but these were not always North America facts to be taken for granted. The first letter written in English and sent from America was by John Rut in 1527. Rut was an English mariner sent by King Henry VIII to explore the New World. In August of that year, he sent the king a letter from his position in Newfoundland, the first known letter sent from the North American continent. In it, he tells the king of what he has found so far, and reassures his monarch that

.

Mexico Is One of the Most Earthquake Prone Areas of the Continent

One of the best known North America facts is that the west coast is the site of a lot of seismic activity, making it a high-risk earthquake zone. Mexico in particular has suffered from some of the most devastating effects of this, since, as a poorer nation than its neighbor the United States, buildings have been less well-designed, less money has been invested in earthquake preparation schemes and so on. This has led to some tragic North America facts − in 1985 an 8.0 magnitude earthquake ripped through Mexico City, killing at least 10,000 people. In 2014, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Guerrero, causing several casualties.

Gray Whales Migrate the Length of the Continent and Back Every Year

The gray whale is a species that know their North America facts − or more particularly, they know their way along its western coast! These magnificent creatures like to spend the winter giving birth to their calves in the warm lagoons of Mexico's coast. But in the summer, when they need to feed, they prefer the cold waters of the Arctic sea. Getting there is no mean feat! The gray whales have the longest migration of any mammal, making an annual 12,000-14,000 mile round-trip which stretches almost the entire length of the North American continent.

Death Valley Receives Less than a Coffee Cup of Rainfall Annually

There is a great difference in North America facts between the continent's wettest and driest climates. The region that receives the least rainfall per year is Death Valley, located in the Mojave Desert, California. It is so dry that the average annual rainfall, around 2.36 inches, would barely fill a coffee cup. And Death Valley is not just the driest part of the North American continent − it is also the hottest and the lowest, making for one extraordinary environment.

Vancouver Has Been Voted the Best Place to Live on the Continent

Thinking of relocating on the North American continent? In 2014 the Mercer Quality of Living Survey aggregated many North America facts and concluded that Vancouver, Canada, was the best place to live on the continent. Factors that helped Vancouver win the title included its high quality medical care, cultural diversity, and over 200 parks. Canada in general did very well in the survey, dominating the top 5 winning cities list − after Vancouver, came Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal!

Mount McKinley Is the Highest Mountain in North America

If asked for North America facts about mountains, many of us would think of famous mountain ranges in the United States, such as the Rockies or the Appalachians. But spare a thought for Mount McKinley in Alaska − after all, it is the highest mountain in North America! Mount McKinley has its summit at 20, 237 feet above sea level. The mountain peak is located at the center of Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve. It is regularly climbed but, while 2003 figures suggested that 58% of climbers reached the top, the mountain has also claimed the lives of over 100 mountaineers.

North America Facts - Facts about North America Summary

There are many fascinating North America facts about this vast and diverse continent. North America is the third largest continent in the world, and contains 23 different countries. The three wealthiest countries within North America are the USA, Canada and Mexico. However, all of the Central American and Caribbean countries also belong to North America. The continent has an incredibly diverse range of climates, geographies, wildlife, cultures and more. It has been populated by humans for 15,000 years at least; at first primarily by indigenous peoples but afterwards by the period of European colonization which dramatically affected the societal structure on the continent, and led to the formation of separate countries.

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Countries: 23 The most basic of North America facts is that it is a continent, the third largest in the world after Asia and Africa. North America is located in the Northern Hemisphere, and most of it is also in the Western Hemisphere.

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Exploring the facts of our world can be inspiring, interesting, and perhaps even entertaining. This list of facts about the 7 continents is an evolving piece of information that we wish to add to over time. Below you will find an interesting list of scarcely known facts about the continents that make up our world.

From the windiest continent to the highest continent to the largest...some of these facts may surprise you.These are great facts for school projects, talking points, and even for trivia. Imagine the possibilities if you were able to commit them to memory! Know any facts about the seven continents that you think should be added here? Leave them in the comments section below!

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7 Continent Facts | The 7 Continents of the World

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Exploring the facts of our world can be inspiring, interesting, and perhaps even entertaining. This list of facts about the 7 continents is an evolving piece of information that we wish to add to over time. Below you will find an interesting list of scarcely known facts about the continents that make up our world.

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Find practical travel information on Australian visas and entry requirements, customs and quarantine regulations, and accessible travel in Australia. There's also information to help you plan your trip including travel agents that specialise in Australian holidays, getting to and around Australia, tours that you can do while you're here and places to stay.

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https://quizlet.com/41860392/antarctica-flash-cards/

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Asia Facts # 1

Population density: Highest in the world, at 225 people per square mile (87 per square kilometer)

Some of the Oldest Human Civilizations Were in Asia

There are many Asia facts relating to ancient cultures and religions. Some examples include the Sumer civilization in Mesopotamia, which dates to 7000 years ago, and the Indus Valley civilization in India, which dates to 6000 years ago. It's no wonder that the region in Mesopotamia around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is commonly referred to as the cradle of civilization.

Pop Culture Isn't a True Representation of Asia

When most people think of Asia facts, they tend to think of people living in China, Japan and Korea. However, this is a limited perception of Asia, as promoted by current pop culture. The truth is that Asia is far more diverse in its population. Perhaps your view of Asia will be transformed when you consider the fact that Asia also includes, amongst others, Russian Siberians, Iraqi Arabs, Indians in South East Asia, and even New Guineans north of Australia.

Asia Has the Most Varied Landscape

Although any continent has a great variety in its landscape, one of the indisputable Asia facts is that this continent can be said to have the greatest diversity of all. When you stop to consider it, it's a remarkable fact that Asia is home to both the highest and lowest points on Earth. These points are Mount Everest at 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) and the Dead Sea at -997 feet (-395 meters), respectively.

Pandas, Tiger and Other Interesting Animals Are Found in Asia

When it comes to the natural environment, there are many interesting Asia facts. There are many fascinating animals that are native to this continent. Animals that call Asia home include the giant panda, Asian elephant, tiger, Bactrian camel, king cobra, reticulated python, yak, Indian rhinoceros and the Komodo dragon.

7 of the World's 10 Most Densely Populated Cities are in Asia

One of the most incredible Asia facts is that this continent is home to seven of the world's ten largest cities (by population). These cities are: Shanghai, Beijing, Istanbul, Karachi, Mumbai, Guangzhou and Delhi.

Asia's Population Is Larger than the Rest of The World Combined

One of the most well-known Asia facts is that China and India are the two countries with the largest populations in the world. However, a lesser-known fact is that if you combine all the countries in Asia, this population exceeds that of the rest of the world combined. This is not so surprising when you consider the huge populations in just five of these Asian countries: China is 1.35 billion, India is 1.22 billion, Indonesia is 250 million, Bangladesh is 163 million, and Japan is 127 million.

Asia is Home to 9 of the World's 10 Tallest Buildings

One of the most astounding Asia facts is that 9 of the world's 10 tallest buildings are located on this continent. The tallest building currently is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which stands at an impressive 2,717 feet. This is closely followed by the Shanghai Tower at a no less imposing 2,073 feet. However, both these buildings will be dwarfed by another Asian skyscraper in 2019. The Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia is currently under construction. When it is complete, which it is projected to be by 2019, this tower will stand at a whopping 3,300 feet. That's one kilometer high!

The 10 Largest Malls in the World Are All Found in Asia

It would certainly seem that the Asian population knows how to shop when you consider Asia facts pertaining to their shopping malls. Incredibly, the 10 largest shopping malls in the world are all located in Asia. The largest shopping mall in the world is the New South China Mall in Dongguan China. This shopping center has a total leasable area of 7,100,000 square feet, or 659,612 square meters, accommodating a potential 2,350 shops. It also has an 82-foot replica of the Arc de Triomphe, a full-size indoor roller coaster, as well as a 1.3 mile canal with gondolas. However, 99% of this mall is vacant, with very few retailers or shoppers entering its walls.

China Is the World's Third Largest Country yet it Has Only One Time Zone

One of the most surprising Asia facts is that China has only one time zone. This is almost unbelievable when you consider the fact that China is the third largest country in the world and stretches 3,200 miles (5,016 kilometers) longitudinally. As least there's no confusion or jet lag when traveling from one side of the country to the other!

The Japanese Are the Second Oldest People in the World

Of all the Asia facts about population, one of the most striking is that Japan has the second oldest population in the world. The only other country with an older population is Monaco. The median age of the Japanese population is 44.6 years old. Incredibly, there are over 50,000 people living in Japan who are over 100 years old!

Over 4,000 Chinese Children Are Named 'Olympic Games'

Yes, you read that correctly! One of the more bizarre Asia facts is that parents in China often tend to name their children after values, events, and even slogans that they deem to be important. Over the past 15 years, more than 4,000 children have been named Aoyun, which translates to Olympic Games. Other names that have been given to children in China include Defend China, Build the Nation, and even Space Travel.

India Produces 12 Million Tons of Mangoes Every Year

India produces more mangoes every year than any other country in the world. The fact that it produces 12 million tons of mangoes every year is one of the most astonishing Asia facts, when you consider that mangoes are available for just three to four months of the year. There is a huge market in India for mango flavored drinks - so much so that people regard mangoes as a national obsession in India!

It's Illegal to Be Fat in Japan

According to Japanese law, a man over the age of 40 cannot have a waistline larger than 33.5 inches, and women of the same age cannot have a waistline exceeding 35.4 inches. This law, known as the Metabo Law means that all Japanese citizens over the age of 40 have to have their waists measured by government officials. There is no penalty for being found to be overweight (according to this criterion), but there are suggested steps to be taken to get your health in check, such as counseling and government approved diets. And it seems to be working: Japan is the thinnest industrialized country in the world.

In India, You Eat with Your Right Hand and Wipe with the Left

Of all the Asia facts that seem strange to Westerners, this Indian custom is one of the most, well, foreign. It is tradition that you eat with your hand, but only your right hand. This is because the left hand is used to wipe yourself with water after going to the toilet - you simply won't find toilet paper in most of the toilets throughout the country. And so it follows that it's insulting to use your left hand for just about anything, including shaking hands and passing something to someone.

All Vietnamese Share the Same Birthday

There are many Asia facts about various traditions. One bewildering tradition is that everyone in Vietnam shares the same birthday: the Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet. Tet starts on the first day of the lunar calendar, which is in late winter, usually in late January or early February. This celebration lasts for several days and, amongst other things, is a nation-wide birthday celebration. This is because the Vietnamese measure a person's age according to the number of Tets they have lived through. In other words, all babies will turn one on their first Tet, regardless of how old they are according to conventional calendars.

The National Game in Afghanistan Is Goat Grabbing

One of the lesser-known Asia facts is that buzkashi, or goat grabbing, is the national game of Afghanistan. This rugged equestrian sport is particularly violent. At first glance it resembles polo, until you realize that the participants are vying not for a ball, but a headless animal carcass. Originally there were only two rules: you may not intentionally hit another player with your whip or knock him off his horse. More recently, more rules have been added in an effort to regulate the game. This was largely part of an effort to get buzkashi accepted as an Olympic sport.

Bhutan Is the Only Country in the World That Bans the Sale of Tobacco

Bhutan means land of the thunder dragon, so you'd think they would be used to flames and smoke. Not so. Bhutan is the only country throughout the world to ban the sale and production of tobacco and tobacco products. The Tobacco Control Act states that anyone found guilty of selling tobacco can face imprisonment for anywhere from three to five years.

It's Possible to Buy Canned Fresh Air in China

Due to high levels of air pollution in China, it is now possible to buy cans of fresh air. This novel concept is the brainchild of entrepreneur Chen Guangiao. The idea is for people to be able to inhale, or even drink, the fresh air contained in these cans. What's more, there are several varieties of air from various sources, including locations in Tibet and Taiwan. The aim of this endeavor is not to make a profit, but rather to draw attention to the dangerous levels of air pollution that plague China.

The Thai Celebrate New Years with Water Pistols

The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated from 13 to 15 April. It is called the Songkran festival, which means astrological passage. The original celebrations involved water being poured over statues of Buddha, which people then collected as it dripped down, pouring it in turn over their loved ones for good luck. However, the modern version involves people hosing down everyone in the vicinity with water pistols. Typically, the water is mixed with either flour or talcum powder, and anyone is fair game. Water guns are sold on every corner, ensuring that everyone joins in the fun!

Newborns in Solapur are Thrown from a 50 Foot Tower for Good Luck

One of the most disconcerting Asia facts centers on a Muslim tradition in Solapur, India. Newborn babies are carried to the top of a 50-foot tower. They are then dropped off the edge, falling onto a stretched sheet held by monks standing at the foot of the tower. This ritual is believed to give the babies luck, courage, and good health. It has been happening for more than 500 years and, according to the local Musti villagers, no baby has ever sustained any injury.

Asia Facts - Facts about Asia Summary

Asia is the largest continent, and has an endlessly varied landscape and an interesting array of animals. Its densely populated cities are home to some of the world's tallest buildings and largest shopping malls. There are many different cultures and religions in Asia, giving rise to a wide range of traditions, rituals, laws and beliefs.

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Population density: Highest in the world, at 225 people per square mile (87 per square kilometer) There are many Asia facts relating to ancient cultures and religions. Some examples include the Sumer civilization in Mesopotamia, which dates to 7000 years ago, and the Indus Valley civilization in India, which dates to 6000 years ago.

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Asia Map | Countries of Asia | Maps of Asia

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North America Facts # 1

Countries: 23

North America Is the Third Largest Continent in The World

The most basic of North America facts is that it is a continent, the third largest in the world after Asia and Africa. North America is located in the Northern Hemisphere, and most of it is also in the Western Hemisphere. The continent is bordered by several oceans: the Arctic ocean to the north, the Pacific to the south and west and the Atlantic to the east. To the southeast, North America is bordered by both South America and the Caribbean Sea. North America covers an area of approximately 9.5 million square miles. This measures in as 16.5% of the Earth's total land area.

There Are 23 Countries in North America

When we think of the North American continent, we tend to think of its largest and most powerful country, the USA. One of the most surprising North America facts therefore is that there are actually 23 countries on the continent, along with dozens more territories and possessions. These include Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Bermuda and all of the Central American and Caribbean countries. By far the most populous of these countries is the USA, which in 2014 had an estimated population of 319.4 million. The second most populous country is Canada, with 35.5 million residents. Guatemala comes in third, with 15.8 million.

The Core of the Continent Is 1-1.5 Billion Years Old

One of the most extraordinary North America facts concerns just how old the land is. At the geological heart of all continents are cratons, the oldest and most stable parts, usually found in the center of tectonic plates. The craton at the core of North America is called Laurentia, and was formed during the Proterozoic era. Throughout several geological eras, North America was joined to other continents, including the ancient Pangaea and Eurasia. Pangaea was a supercontinent containing most of the earth's landmass, and was located in the Southern Hemisphere. Around 200 million years ago, when Pangaea drifted apart, North America began to separate into its own continent. North and South America were connected when the Ithmus of Panama formed, around 3 million years ago. The Great Lakes, on the other hand, are a relatively recent feature − they are the result of receding glacial activity, which occurred around 10,000 years ago.

North America Has Been Populated for at Least 15,000 Years

If you asked people for North America facts, many might remember that Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492. Some might even point out the fact that Norse settlers arrived some time earlier, in the 11th century. But, in fact, scientists believe that the first indigenous peoples came to the continent around 15,000 years ago. These were Paleo-Indians, who migrated from Eurasia. How they did this we can only speculate, but the majority of scientists believe it was by crossing a land bridge which once existed in the Bering Strait between modern Alaska and Siberia. In North America, they began to develop more organized societies, and practiced more agriculture, for example in the pre-Columbian culture along the Mississippi river. They also continued moving down into modern day Central and South America.

The Early North Americans Formed Empires

There are many intriguing North America facts about how native societies developed before European colonization. The continent was divided into informal culture areas, in which the climate and geography of each zone determined the way people lived. In the Great Plains, for example, tribes of bison hunters developed, whereas in Central America, agrarian societies were formed. But as well as small tribal cultures, vast and impressive empires were formed in this era. These include the Maya Civilization, which was established in 2000 BCE. The Mayans built temples and pyramids in the region of south Mexico and Guatemala, and created a complex calendar and writing system. Later, there was also the Aztec Empire, the capital of which was located in the Valley of Mexico. This empire was formed by the union of three Nahua city states in 1428.

Europe Colonized North America in the Age of Discovery

Returning to our most famous North America facts, it is true that Columbus discovered the Americas for Spain in 1492. This began an era of colonization in which European nation states took over great swaths of the Americas. Spain, France and Britain established territories in North America and, by the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these territories were hosting independence movements, most famously the American War of Independence. These movements led to the formation of several countries. The United States of America were formed from 13 British colonies, while Canada was the result of a unification between British and French territory.

This colonization of the New World had devastating effects upon the native population. One of the most tragic North America facts is that this era saw the introduction of European diseases to the Americas, killing vast swaths of the native populations. In addition, violent clashes and wars led to the destruction of many native societies. Along with direct human cost, this also led to the extinction of several linguistic groups and the loss of cultural knowledge and folklore.

North America Is Named after an Italian Explorer

Between 1497 and 1502, a group of Europeans, including the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci and two German cartographers, Matthias Ringmann and Martin Waldseemüller, were exploring South America. Vespucci was the first European who thought that the Americas were not the East Indies, as had previously been assumed, but an entirely different landmass. In honor of this, his German companions decided to name the continent after him − on a 1507 map, Waldseemüller wrote "America" on the South American continent. He initially took the Latinate version of the name, Americus Vespucius, but then chose to use the feminine form America.

North America's Geography Includes All the Major Biomes

One of the most astonishing North America facts tells us how incredibly diverse the continent's geography is. A biome is defined as a community of plant and animal life which is spread throughout an extensive area of fairly uniform climate. In North America, you can find every single one of the earth's major biomes! These include tropical rainforest, grassland, desert, tundra and coral reef. Unsurprisingly, given this diversity, there are many famous and spectacular geographical features on the North American continent. These include the Appalachian Mountains and Rocky Mountains, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls and many more.

There Are 965 Species of Mammal in North America

When it comes to North America facts, the diverse and exciting wildlife must be mentioned. Since there are so many biomes present on this vast continent, there are an enormous variety of habitats that different mammals can feel at home in, from swampy wetlands to dry mountain ranges, and scorching deserts to fertile farmlands. This is why, out of 5416 known species of mammal on the planet, approximately 965 can be found in North America. Famous examples of such mammals include small creatures such as rabbits, hares, squirrels, possums, and raccoons, and larger ones such as deer, coyote and beaver. Then of course there are the continent's most iconic mammals, the large predators such as the bear, wolf and cougar. The oceans around North America are also home to an incredibly diverse range of inhabitants, including whales, dolphins and sharks.

100s of Languages Are Spoken in North America

Given the continent's complex history, there are many North America facts relating to languages, both indigenous ones and those that arrived with colonization. Before the Age of Discovery, there were at least 1000 different languages among the native population! During the decline of the native population, however, many of these went extinct, and sadly relatively few now survive. To take the United States as an example, the country now has a population of approximately 2.81 million Indian Americans. Within this population, Navajo has by far the most speakers, with around 170,000 Americans speaking Navajo at home. In Canada, the most widely spoken indigenous language is the group Cree, with roughly 117,000 speakers.

In terms of European languages spoken today, linguistic patterns follow the history of colonization. English is the main language spoken in the USA, for example, while Spanish is the second, and the first language in Mexico. In Canada, French is the mother tongue of around 30% of the population. Danish was one of the official languages of Greenland until 2009, and is still spoken by most of the population. In the Caribbean region, many Creole languages are spoken.

Mexico City Is the Largest City in North America

When it comes to North America facts relating to cities, there are many famous locations which could be discussed, from Canada's Toronto and Montreal to The USA's New York, Los Angeles or Chicago, to name but a few. However, of all the urban centers on the North American continent, Mexico City is the largest by population. It is estimated that there are 8.85 million people in the city proper, and over 20 million in the greater metropolitan area. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, and an important global city. It is one of the most important financial sectors in North America − in 2011, for example, the city had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $411 billion. The economy of Mexico City is so enormous that the city alone generates the same wealth as the whole of Peru!

North America Has Hosted the Olympics 12 Times

There are many fascinating Olympic North America facts. The continent has hosted the modern games 12 times in total. The first time that a North American country hosted the games was in 1904, in St. Louis Missouri, USA. Since then, the US has been home to seven other games, more than any other country in the world. These include winter games in Lake Placid, Squaw Valley and Salt Lake City, and summer games in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Canada has also hosted the Olympics several times, in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver, while the 1968 summer games were held in Mexico City.

Lake Superior Is the Largest Fresh Water Lake in The World

There are countless North America facts relating to astonishing geographical features, but a special mention must go to Lake Superior, on the border of the USA and Canada. This is the largest of North America's Great Lakes, and with a surface area of 31,700 square miles, it is considered the largest fresh water lake in the world by surface area. Lake Superior is bordered by Canada's Ontario, along with the USA's Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The 7 Countries of Central America Use 6 Different Currencies

Although Central America is technically part of the North American continent, we tend not to mention the region when it comes to North America facts, because many of us think of it as very separate. This is also true when it comes to currency. While Panama and El Salvador have adopted the US Dollar as their officially currency, a variety of currencies are still used in the rest of Central America, including the Belize dollar, Nicaraguan córdoba, the Guatemalan quetzal and the Honduran lempira.

John Rut Wrote the First Ever Letter from North America

The continent may now have high-functioning international postal services, but these were not always North America facts to be taken for granted. The first letter written in English and sent from America was by John Rut in 1527. Rut was an English mariner sent by King Henry VIII to explore the New World. In August of that year, he sent the king a letter from his position in Newfoundland, the first known letter sent from the North American continent. In it, he tells the king of what he has found so far, and reassures his monarch that

.

Mexico Is One of the Most Earthquake Prone Areas of the Continent

One of the best known North America facts is that the west coast is the site of a lot of seismic activity, making it a high-risk earthquake zone. Mexico in particular has suffered from some of the most devastating effects of this, since, as a poorer nation than its neighbor the United States, buildings have been less well-designed, less money has been invested in earthquake preparation schemes and so on. This has led to some tragic North America facts − in 1985 an 8.0 magnitude earthquake ripped through Mexico City, killing at least 10,000 people. In 2014, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Guerrero, causing several casualties.

Gray Whales Migrate the Length of the Continent and Back Every Year

The gray whale is a species that know their North America facts − or more particularly, they know their way along its western coast! These magnificent creatures like to spend the winter giving birth to their calves in the warm lagoons of Mexico's coast. But in the summer, when they need to feed, they prefer the cold waters of the Arctic sea. Getting there is no mean feat! The gray whales have the longest migration of any mammal, making an annual 12,000-14,000 mile round-trip which stretches almost the entire length of the North American continent.

Death Valley Receives Less than a Coffee Cup of Rainfall Annually

There is a great difference in North America facts between the continent's wettest and driest climates. The region that receives the least rainfall per year is Death Valley, located in the Mojave Desert, California. It is so dry that the average annual rainfall, around 2.36 inches, would barely fill a coffee cup. And Death Valley is not just the driest part of the North American continent − it is also the hottest and the lowest, making for one extraordinary environment.

Vancouver Has Been Voted the Best Place to Live on the Continent

Thinking of relocating on the North American continent? In 2014 the Mercer Quality of Living Survey aggregated many North America facts and concluded that Vancouver, Canada, was the best place to live on the continent. Factors that helped Vancouver win the title included its high quality medical care, cultural diversity, and over 200 parks. Canada in general did very well in the survey, dominating the top 5 winning cities list − after Vancouver, came Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal!

Mount McKinley Is the Highest Mountain in North America

If asked for North America facts about mountains, many of us would think of famous mountain ranges in the United States, such as the Rockies or the Appalachians. But spare a thought for Mount McKinley in Alaska − after all, it is the highest mountain in North America! Mount McKinley has its summit at 20, 237 feet above sea level. The mountain peak is located at the center of Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve. It is regularly climbed but, while 2003 figures suggested that 58% of climbers reached the top, the mountain has also claimed the lives of over 100 mountaineers.

North America Facts - Facts about North America Summary

There are many fascinating North America facts about this vast and diverse continent. North America is the third largest continent in the world, and contains 23 different countries. The three wealthiest countries within North America are the USA, Canada and Mexico. However, all of the Central American and Caribbean countries also belong to North America. The continent has an incredibly diverse range of climates, geographies, wildlife, cultures and more. It has been populated by humans for 15,000 years at least; at first primarily by indigenous peoples but afterwards by the period of European colonization which dramatically affected the societal structure on the continent, and led to the formation of separate countries.

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Countries: 23 The most basic of North America facts is that it is a continent, the third largest in the world after Asia and Africa. North America is located in the Northern Hemisphere, and most of it is also in the Western Hemisphere.

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The origin of Asia´s name

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Planet Earth is home to 7.3 billion people and over 1.5 million different species of animals, insects, and plants spread across 7 continents. Earth was not always comprised of seven continents. A billion years ago, the world would have been much different being made of much more water than we have today. 225 million years ago the seven continents were all connected into one supercontinent surrounded by a very large ocean. This supercontinent is known as Pangaea. It slowly drifted apart into 7 different pieces and drift into the positions we find them in the present over millions of years. But, the continents are not at rest. They are always moving and over time will move and drift into entirely new continents over the next several hundred million years.

What is a Continent?

Though there are many definitions of the term "continent," it is generally used to identify large distinct landmasses that make up our planet's surface. The world's land in total has over 57 million square miles of land according to the National Geographic Society. What we know as earth's land is actually the areas that happen to be at a high enough elevation to not be flooded by the lakes, rivers, and oceans of the world which surround them. The continents' shapes and boundaries are ever-changing due to the movement of the tectonic plates (known as plate tectonics). As the water surrounding them defines the land that makes up the continent. It is important to remember the five oceans of the world, as the continents make up just 1/3rd of the planet's surface.

What are the 7 Continents of the World?

Today, we have seven continents on planet Earth surrounded by five oceans. Each of the seven continental land masses is diverse and distinctly unique with its own plants, animals, deserts, mountains, rivers, lakes, cultures, and weather.

A continent is larger than an island and is usually made up of multiple countries and spans millions of square miles.
The 7 continents of the world are North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Watch What Are the Seven Continents

What is the Smallest Continent and Largest Continent?

The smallest continent is Australia. Its landmass is just under 7.7 million square kilometers, making it about the size of the United States. Australia is home to about 24 million people, which is just over 3% of the world's population. The continent is made up of a variety of different landscapes, from rainforests and deserts to mountains and beaches. Australian culture is also unique, with a mix of Indigenous, British, and other influences. Australia, though surrounded by water, is not considered an island. The world's largest island instead is Greenland, which is part of North America.

The largest continent in the world is Asia, which covers an area of 17.2 million square miles. Asia and Africa are often considered for this distinction but it is Asia that is the largest in both landmass and population. The continent is home to the world's two most populous countries, China and India, as well as many other countries with large populations. Asia is also home to some of the world's tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, and deepest lakes, such as the Caspian Sea.

Explore more regarding the largest and smallest continent which lists the continents from largest to smallest by population and land area.

How Many Continents Are There? Are there 7 continents or 5 or 6?

There is some debate over whether there are five continents or seven depending on the continent model applied. There are several ways to determine the number of continents. In most English-speaking countries, seven continents are most commonly part of the learning curriculum. The six-continent version is primarily used in Russia, Eastern Europe, and countries that use Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, and other romance languages. The most commonly accepted view is that there are seven continents: Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, Australia (Oceania), and Antarctica. However, some geographers believe that Europe and Asia should be considered as one continent, which would leave only six continents.

Some consider North and South America to be just one large landmass referred to as the "American Continent." Europe and Asia continent are also combined at times and referred to as "Eurasia." The continent of Australia is often confused with the country of Australia. The Australian Continent includes Australia (country), Tasmania, New Guinea and others. This region is also referred to as "Oceania," which includes the previously listed countries as well as New Zealand, Micronesian, and Polynesian islands. Oceania is generally not considered a continent as it does not make up "a single continuous landmass."

5 Continents: Depending on when you went through school and the country where you were educated, you may have learned that there were just 5 continents. Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Interestingly, this is why we have five rings to symbolize the Olympic Games

6 Continents: In certain countries, it is common for students to learn about just 6 continents. America, Antarctica, Asia, Africa, Australia (Oceania), and Europe. There are some geography experts that acknowledge just 6 continents where the continent of Asia and Europe are combined into a new continent called "Eurasia" as these two continents are one single land mass.

7 Continents: The most commonly accepted number of continents is 7. North America, South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania), Europe, and Asia.

List of Continents

Below you will find a comprehensive list of the continents that explores each of the continents with a summary. Under each continent in the list, you can follow the link below to learn more!

Africa

Land Area of Africa: 11,670,000 (mi²) / 28,489,869 (km²)
The Population of Africa: 1,119,307,147 (2016)
Largest City in Africa: Lagos, Nigeria (15,118,780 (2014))

While Africa is first alphabetically, the whole continent is second in both population and size. Over 1 billion people can call Africa home. The people are spread across 54 different countries in the African continent. This continent is home to 15% of the world's population and the continent makes up 20% of the total land area on planet earth. The equator passes through the center of the continent which provides largely warm and/or tropical climates. The northern and southern portions of Africa have more temperate conditions. Of the continents of the world, Africa is unique in that it stretches between the northern and southern temperate zones. Africa is also attributed to being the birthplace of mankind. The oldest fossil evidence of Homo sapiens was found in the eastern part of the continent.

Africa's large size and varying climates make it host to many of the most interesting species of plants and animals on Earth. There are currently more than 7,000 different species of mammals, fish, and birds in Africa. There are more than 100,000 species of insects as well. Here you can find both the largest ( African Elephant) and tallest (Giraffe) animal.

There are several bodies of water surrounding the continent of Africa. You can find the Indian Ocean to the southeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Red Sea to the northeast. The continent of Europe and Africa are very close together. They are only 8.9 miles(14.3 km) apart on the northwest corner of Africa. At 4,352 miles long, the Nile River is the longest river in the world and runs along the northeast side of the continent.

Antarctica

Land Area of Antarctica: 5,405,000 (mi²) / 12,949,940 (km²)
The Population of Antarctica: 4,912 (2015)
Largest City in Antarctica: McMurdo Station (1,258 (2013))

The continent of Antarctica is positioned as the southernmost land mass on Earth. The South Pole can be found here among its large permanent glaciers and frigid weather. Even though Antarctica has one of the harshest climates and most unwelcoming terrains on planet Earth, there are still nearly five thousand people that temporarily call this continent home every year. This makes Antarctica the least populated continent on Earth. Antarctica is known as the coldest landmass and has few native plants or animals because most of the continent is covered in sheets of ice that can be more than a mile thick which forms permanent glaciers. You can find penguins, seals, plants, and fungi in Antarctica. Interestingly, this continent is the only one that has no reptiles on its land surface.

Antarctica is the 5th in terms of size compared to the other 7 continents. Both Australia and Europe could fit in the same area that Antarctica covers. The continent is known for being extremely dry and geologically unique which qualifies it as the largest desert region in the world. Antarctica has one of the windiest and coldest climates of the world's continents. Temperatures can reach −90°C (−130 °F) in some regions of the continent. Any humans that live here primarily operate from various research stations scattered across the landscape.

Asia

Land Area of Asia: 17,210,000 (mi²) / 44,029,797 (km²)
The Population of Asia: 4,494,302,221 (2016)
Largest City in Asia: Tokyo, Japan (37,126,000 (2012))

The Asian continent covers nearly 9 percent of the earth's surface making it the largest of the continents. It is also the home to the most people with an estimated population of 4.3 billion as of 2015 which represents nearly 60% of the world's population. With this many people, Asia is attributed with being a vital part of the world's economy. Asia's diversity means that more than 2,300 languages are spoken, the most of any continent. Asia covers nearly 10% of the planet's surface area and is loosely defined as the eastern portion of the Eurasia continent with the border following a line north from the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea to the NW corner of the Caspian Sea to the Ural River into the Arctic Ocean. The continent is primarily positioned within the northern hemisphere along the eastern portion. On the eastern border, you will find the Pacific Ocean, along the southern border you will find the Indian Ocean, and you can find the Arctic Ocean along the northernmost border. Asia is credited with the most coastline of any continent.

Parts of Asia contain some of the oldest civilizations on the continents including the countries of China and Japan. Saudi Arabia's peninsula with oil-rich countries including the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait is also located in Asia. The continent also includes the manufacturing centers of India and Japan and Hong Kong, which is a leading banking and corporate center.

More on Asia.

Australia

The continent of Australia includes the mainland of the country Australia and the island regions of New Guinea, Tasmania, and Seram. In total, these different land areas are considered a single continent. This area is referred to as Oceania by geographers. Oceania is further subdivided into areas such as Melanesia, Australasia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. During the ice ages, when much of the world's water was frozen in glaciers, the Australian mainland was connected by land bridges to these islands. Australia is the smallest of the continents but is home to the sixth largest country which is known by the same name, Australia. The continent gets its name from the Latin word 'australis' which translates to mean southern. As a result of the continent's geography and size, it is often referred to as an "island" continent. Australia is surrounded by two oceans. The Indian Ocean is found on the western side and the pacific ocean is found on the eastern side.

Australia is the most isolated and remote continent and has been least influenced by migrations of people, plants, and animals. This led to Australia having a wide variety of animals and plants which are unique in the world such as the kangaroo, koala, dingo, wallaby, and wombat. Of the 5,700 hundred species of animals on the continent of Australia, more than 80% are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The continent is also home to the world's largest reef and one of the greatest natural wonders, The Great Barrier Reef.

The continent first was inhabited by man nearly 45,000 years ago. European inhabitants came onto the Australian landmass in the 1700s. Australia is one of the least populated continents yet the country Australia is the 12th largest economy in the world.

More on Australia.

Europe

The western portion of the Eurasian landmass is known as Europe. It is noted as one of the smallest of the 7 continents after Australia, with 7 percent of the world's landmass. However, Europe is home to about 11% of Earth's population and is the second most densely populated continent, with 134 people per square mile, behind Asia's 203 people per square mile.

The European continent is comprised of approximately 50 countries and several other territories. The country of Russia is the largest country and the area that is occupied by Vatican City in Italy is the smallest. However, Russia has portions of its territory in both the continent of Europe and Asia with forty percent falling in the continent of Europe. Europe, by definition, includes the continental mainland ending in the east at the Ural Mountains in Russia. Europe also includes islands such as Iceland, Sicily, and the British Isles. The British Isles consist of the large island that is home to England, Scotland, and Wales, and is called Great Britain; the British Isles also include the small island that contains Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and several much smaller surrounding islands.

There are several bodies of water that surround the continent of Europe. To the south, you will find the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, to the west is the Atlantic Ocean, and to the north is the Arctic Ocean.

Europe has played host to many historic events over the course of history that have left a lasting effect and shaped the continent we know today. People have been living in Europe for about 100,000 years. Around 2000 B.C., Indo-European settlers came and brought the language that most modern European languages are descended from. The ancient Greek and Roman civilizations flourished there, from which we get much of our learning and culture. In the 5th and 6th centuries, the Germanic tribes swept over most of Europe, and their descendants shaped the modern countries of Scandinavia and west and central Europe. By this time the Roman empire had become Christian, and eventually, all of Europe became Christian, for reasons of both faith and economics. The diversity and size of Europe led to the continent hosting much of World War I and World War II.

More on Europe.

North America

The North American continent is the 3rd largest continent. It includes the countries of Canada, the United States, Greenland, Mexico, and the Latin American regions that serve as a connection between North and South America. North America makes up about 17 percent of the world's landmass and is home to about 8 percent of the people. The continent is found entirely in the northern hemisphere and is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the West, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

The population of about 565 million people is situated in about 23 independent countries. The earliest human inhabitants in North America were from Asia and crossed into Alaska over the Bering land bridge during an ice age. The arrival of Europeans occurred in the mid-1600s. This population is now dominant in North America.

North America has a very diverse climate, wildlife, and geography. From extreme desert temperatures in Death Valley to the snow-covered mountains of Mount McKinley to the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. (2nd largest in the world), Lake Superior

North America is responsible for nearly 50% of the world's corn production and 1/5th of the world's wheat production. The continent is also an economic juggernaut with the largest GDP per capita of the continents. You can also find the busiest airport in North America at Atlanta International Airport, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

More on North America.

South America

The South American continent is the southern portion of the larger American continent and is located in the southern hemisphere. The equator passes through the continent offering a tropical climate for much of the landmass with temperate conditions possible in the south. South America is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on its western border and the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern border. This continent is the fourth largest and is made up of twelve countries with Brazil being the largest in terms of both land mass and population.

South America is home to incredible biodiversity. South America includes the Andes Mountains which comprise the longest range of peaks in the world. It is home to the Amazon River, which passes the largest volume of water of any river in the world. You can also find the Amazon rainforest which is the world's largest rainforest and is host to some of the most unique plants and animals on Earth. The continent is home to llamas and alpacas that originally were wild but became domesticated nearly 5,000 years ago.

The indigenous people of South America may have migrated south from North America although the majority of its current 371 million residents are of European descent. The population lives primarily along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts with large portions of the inland regions hosting small and widely spread populations. Colonization efforts by Spanish and Portuguese explorers ultimately lead to the prevalence of those languages in South America.

More on South America.

What will the Continents Look like in the Future?

The total area of the continents will likely look very different in the future. The area of land will change shape and size as tectonic plates move over the next million years. In the shorter term (hundreds of years), the climate is expected to change and the oceans will rise. Some areas will become uninhabitable, while new land will be created. The borders between countries and territories will also change, as some disappear and others are created. Plants and wildlife will drastically change in order to adapt to these new conditions.

Change is certain, however, humans still have time to slow the pace of change to limit how quickly this change is occurring. An interesting video from American geologist Professor Christopher Scotese that shows the shifting of the continents throughout history and projected outcomes into the future.

Seven Continents Wrap-Up

Each of the continents of the world is unique. Each has its own culture, language, climate, geographic features, and identity. As a result of this diversity, every continent is divided into several countries with the exception of Antarctica (which currently has no countries within its borders.) Currently, there are 195 countries in the world across all continents. Africa is split into 54 countries, Asia 48, Australia/Oceania 7, Europe 51, North America 23, and South America, 12.

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What are the 7 Continents of the World | Facts, Maps & Resources

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Planet Earth is home to 7.3 billion people and over 1.5 million different species of animals, insects, and plants spread across 7 continents. Earth was not always comprised of seven continents. A billion years ago, the world would have been much different being made of much more water than we have today.

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Planet Earth is home to 7.3 billion people and over 1.5 million different species of animals, insects, and plants spread across 7 continents. Earth was not always comprised of seven continents. A billion years ago, the world would have been much different being made of much more water than we have today. 225 million years ago the seven continents were all connected into one supercontinent surrounded by a very large ocean. This supercontinent is known as Pangaea. It slowly drifted apart into 7 different pieces and drift into the positions we find them in the present over millions of years. But, the continents are not at rest. They are always moving and over time will move and drift into entirely new continents over the next several hundred million years.

What is a Continent?

Though there are many definitions of the term "continent," it is generally used to identify large distinct landmasses that make up our planet's surface. The world's land in total has over 57 million square miles of land according to the National Geographic Society. What we know as earth's land is actually the areas that happen to be at a high enough elevation to not be flooded by the lakes, rivers, and oceans of the world which surround them. The continents' shapes and boundaries are ever-changing due to the movement of the tectonic plates (known as plate tectonics). As the water surrounding them defines the land that makes up the continent. It is important to remember the five oceans of the world, as the continents make up just 1/3rd of the planet's surface.

What are the 7 Continents of the World?

Today, we have seven continents on planet Earth surrounded by five oceans. Each of the seven continental land masses is diverse and distinctly unique with its own plants, animals, deserts, mountains, rivers, lakes, cultures, and weather.

A continent is larger than an island and is usually made up of multiple countries and spans millions of square miles.
The 7 continents of the world are North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Watch What Are the Seven Continents

What is the Smallest Continent and Largest Continent?

The smallest continent is Australia. Its landmass is just under 7.7 million square kilometers, making it about the size of the United States. Australia is home to about 24 million people, which is just over 3% of the world's population. The continent is made up of a variety of different landscapes, from rainforests and deserts to mountains and beaches. Australian culture is also unique, with a mix of Indigenous, British, and other influences. Australia, though surrounded by water, is not considered an island. The world's largest island instead is Greenland, which is part of North America.

The largest continent in the world is Asia, which covers an area of 17.2 million square miles. Asia and Africa are often considered for this distinction but it is Asia that is the largest in both landmass and population. The continent is home to the world's two most populous countries, China and India, as well as many other countries with large populations. Asia is also home to some of the world's tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, and deepest lakes, such as the Caspian Sea.

Explore more regarding the largest and smallest continent which lists the continents from largest to smallest by population and land area.

How Many Continents Are There? Are there 7 continents or 5 or 6?

There is some debate over whether there are five continents or seven depending on the continent model applied. There are several ways to determine the number of continents. In most English-speaking countries, seven continents are most commonly part of the learning curriculum. The six-continent version is primarily used in Russia, Eastern Europe, and countries that use Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, and other romance languages. The most commonly accepted view is that there are seven continents: Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, Australia (Oceania), and Antarctica. However, some geographers believe that Europe and Asia should be considered as one continent, which would leave only six continents.

Some consider North and South America to be just one large landmass referred to as the "American Continent." Europe and Asia continent are also combined at times and referred to as "Eurasia." The continent of Australia is often confused with the country of Australia. The Australian Continent includes Australia (country), Tasmania, New Guinea and others. This region is also referred to as "Oceania," which includes the previously listed countries as well as New Zealand, Micronesian, and Polynesian islands. Oceania is generally not considered a continent as it does not make up "a single continuous landmass."

5 Continents: Depending on when you went through school and the country where you were educated, you may have learned that there were just 5 continents. Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Interestingly, this is why we have five rings to symbolize the Olympic Games

6 Continents: In certain countries, it is common for students to learn about just 6 continents. America, Antarctica, Asia, Africa, Australia (Oceania), and Europe. There are some geography experts that acknowledge just 6 continents where the continent of Asia and Europe are combined into a new continent called "Eurasia" as these two continents are one single land mass.

7 Continents: The most commonly accepted number of continents is 7. North America, South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania), Europe, and Asia.

List of Continents

Below you will find a comprehensive list of the continents that explores each of the continents with a summary. Under each continent in the list, you can follow the link below to learn more!

Africa

Land Area of Africa: 11,670,000 (mi²) / 28,489,869 (km²)
The Population of Africa: 1,119,307,147 (2016)
Largest City in Africa: Lagos, Nigeria (15,118,780 (2014))

While Africa is first alphabetically, the whole continent is second in both population and size. Over 1 billion people can call Africa home. The people are spread across 54 different countries in the African continent. This continent is home to 15% of the world's population and the continent makes up 20% of the total land area on planet earth. The equator passes through the center of the continent which provides largely warm and/or tropical climates. The northern and southern portions of Africa have more temperate conditions. Of the continents of the world, Africa is unique in that it stretches between the northern and southern temperate zones. Africa is also attributed to being the birthplace of mankind. The oldest fossil evidence of Homo sapiens was found in the eastern part of the continent.

Africa's large size and varying climates make it host to many of the most interesting species of plants and animals on Earth. There are currently more than 7,000 different species of mammals, fish, and birds in Africa. There are more than 100,000 species of insects as well. Here you can find both the largest ( African Elephant) and tallest (Giraffe) animal.

There are several bodies of water surrounding the continent of Africa. You can find the Indian Ocean to the southeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Red Sea to the northeast. The continent of Europe and Africa are very close together. They are only 8.9 miles(14.3 km) apart on the northwest corner of Africa. At 4,352 miles long, the Nile River is the longest river in the world and runs along the northeast side of the continent.

Antarctica

Land Area of Antarctica: 5,405,000 (mi²) / 12,949,940 (km²)
The Population of Antarctica: 4,912 (2015)
Largest City in Antarctica: McMurdo Station (1,258 (2013))

The continent of Antarctica is positioned as the southernmost land mass on Earth. The South Pole can be found here among its large permanent glaciers and frigid weather. Even though Antarctica has one of the harshest climates and most unwelcoming terrains on planet Earth, there are still nearly five thousand people that temporarily call this continent home every year. This makes Antarctica the least populated continent on Earth. Antarctica is known as the coldest landmass and has few native plants or animals because most of the continent is covered in sheets of ice that can be more than a mile thick which forms permanent glaciers. You can find penguins, seals, plants, and fungi in Antarctica. Interestingly, this continent is the only one that has no reptiles on its land surface.

Antarctica is the 5th in terms of size compared to the other 7 continents. Both Australia and Europe could fit in the same area that Antarctica covers. The continent is known for being extremely dry and geologically unique which qualifies it as the largest desert region in the world. Antarctica has one of the windiest and coldest climates of the world's continents. Temperatures can reach −90°C (−130 °F) in some regions of the continent. Any humans that live here primarily operate from various research stations scattered across the landscape.

Asia

Land Area of Asia: 17,210,000 (mi²) / 44,029,797 (km²)
The Population of Asia: 4,494,302,221 (2016)
Largest City in Asia: Tokyo, Japan (37,126,000 (2012))

The Asian continent covers nearly 9 percent of the earth's surface making it the largest of the continents. It is also the home to the most people with an estimated population of 4.3 billion as of 2015 which represents nearly 60% of the world's population. With this many people, Asia is attributed with being a vital part of the world's economy. Asia's diversity means that more than 2,300 languages are spoken, the most of any continent. Asia covers nearly 10% of the planet's surface area and is loosely defined as the eastern portion of the Eurasia continent with the border following a line north from the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea to the NW corner of the Caspian Sea to the Ural River into the Arctic Ocean. The continent is primarily positioned within the northern hemisphere along the eastern portion. On the eastern border, you will find the Pacific Ocean, along the southern border you will find the Indian Ocean, and you can find the Arctic Ocean along the northernmost border. Asia is credited with the most coastline of any continent.

Parts of Asia contain some of the oldest civilizations on the continents including the countries of China and Japan. Saudi Arabia's peninsula with oil-rich countries including the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait is also located in Asia. The continent also includes the manufacturing centers of India and Japan and Hong Kong, which is a leading banking and corporate center.

More on Asia.

Australia

The continent of Australia includes the mainland of the country Australia and the island regions of New Guinea, Tasmania, and Seram. In total, these different land areas are considered a single continent. This area is referred to as Oceania by geographers. Oceania is further subdivided into areas such as Melanesia, Australasia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. During the ice ages, when much of the world's water was frozen in glaciers, the Australian mainland was connected by land bridges to these islands. Australia is the smallest of the continents but is home to the sixth largest country which is known by the same name, Australia. The continent gets its name from the Latin word 'australis' which translates to mean southern. As a result of the continent's geography and size, it is often referred to as an "island" continent. Australia is surrounded by two oceans. The Indian Ocean is found on the western side and the pacific ocean is found on the eastern side.

Australia is the most isolated and remote continent and has been least influenced by migrations of people, plants, and animals. This led to Australia having a wide variety of animals and plants which are unique in the world such as the kangaroo, koala, dingo, wallaby, and wombat. Of the 5,700 hundred species of animals on the continent of Australia, more than 80% are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The continent is also home to the world's largest reef and one of the greatest natural wonders, The Great Barrier Reef.

The continent first was inhabited by man nearly 45,000 years ago. European inhabitants came onto the Australian landmass in the 1700s. Australia is one of the least populated continents yet the country Australia is the 12th largest economy in the world.

More on Australia.

Europe

The western portion of the Eurasian landmass is known as Europe. It is noted as one of the smallest of the 7 continents after Australia, with 7 percent of the world's landmass. However, Europe is home to about 11% of Earth's population and is the second most densely populated continent, with 134 people per square mile, behind Asia's 203 people per square mile.

The European continent is comprised of approximately 50 countries and several other territories. The country of Russia is the largest country and the area that is occupied by Vatican City in Italy is the smallest. However, Russia has portions of its territory in both the continent of Europe and Asia with forty percent falling in the continent of Europe. Europe, by definition, includes the continental mainland ending in the east at the Ural Mountains in Russia. Europe also includes islands such as Iceland, Sicily, and the British Isles. The British Isles consist of the large island that is home to England, Scotland, and Wales, and is called Great Britain; the British Isles also include the small island that contains Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and several much smaller surrounding islands.

There are several bodies of water that surround the continent of Europe. To the south, you will find the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, to the west is the Atlantic Ocean, and to the north is the Arctic Ocean.

Europe has played host to many historic events over the course of history that have left a lasting effect and shaped the continent we know today. People have been living in Europe for about 100,000 years. Around 2000 B.C., Indo-European settlers came and brought the language that most modern European languages are descended from. The ancient Greek and Roman civilizations flourished there, from which we get much of our learning and culture. In the 5th and 6th centuries, the Germanic tribes swept over most of Europe, and their descendants shaped the modern countries of Scandinavia and west and central Europe. By this time the Roman empire had become Christian, and eventually, all of Europe became Christian, for reasons of both faith and economics. The diversity and size of Europe led to the continent hosting much of World War I and World War II.

More on Europe.

North America

The North American continent is the 3rd largest continent. It includes the countries of Canada, the United States, Greenland, Mexico, and the Latin American regions that serve as a connection between North and South America. North America makes up about 17 percent of the world's landmass and is home to about 8 percent of the people. The continent is found entirely in the northern hemisphere and is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the West, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

The population of about 565 million people is situated in about 23 independent countries. The earliest human inhabitants in North America were from Asia and crossed into Alaska over the Bering land bridge during an ice age. The arrival of Europeans occurred in the mid-1600s. This population is now dominant in North America.

North America has a very diverse climate, wildlife, and geography. From extreme desert temperatures in Death Valley to the snow-covered mountains of Mount McKinley to the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. (2nd largest in the world), Lake Superior

North America is responsible for nearly 50% of the world's corn production and 1/5th of the world's wheat production. The continent is also an economic juggernaut with the largest GDP per capita of the continents. You can also find the busiest airport in North America at Atlanta International Airport, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

More on North America.

South America

The South American continent is the southern portion of the larger American continent and is located in the southern hemisphere. The equator passes through the continent offering a tropical climate for much of the landmass with temperate conditions possible in the south. South America is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on its western border and the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern border. This continent is the fourth largest and is made up of twelve countries with Brazil being the largest in terms of both land mass and population.

South America is home to incredible biodiversity. South America includes the Andes Mountains which comprise the longest range of peaks in the world. It is home to the Amazon River, which passes the largest volume of water of any river in the world. You can also find the Amazon rainforest which is the world's largest rainforest and is host to some of the most unique plants and animals on Earth. The continent is home to llamas and alpacas that originally were wild but became domesticated nearly 5,000 years ago.

The indigenous people of South America may have migrated south from North America although the majority of its current 371 million residents are of European descent. The population lives primarily along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts with large portions of the inland regions hosting small and widely spread populations. Colonization efforts by Spanish and Portuguese explorers ultimately lead to the prevalence of those languages in South America.

More on South America.

What will the Continents Look like in the Future?

The total area of the continents will likely look very different in the future. The area of land will change shape and size as tectonic plates move over the next million years. In the shorter term (hundreds of years), the climate is expected to change and the oceans will rise. Some areas will become uninhabitable, while new land will be created. The borders between countries and territories will also change, as some disappear and others are created. Plants and wildlife will drastically change in order to adapt to these new conditions.

Change is certain, however, humans still have time to slow the pace of change to limit how quickly this change is occurring. An interesting video from American geologist Professor Christopher Scotese that shows the shifting of the continents throughout history and projected outcomes into the future.

Seven Continents Wrap-Up

Each of the continents of the world is unique. Each has its own culture, language, climate, geographic features, and identity. As a result of this diversity, every continent is divided into several countries with the exception of Antarctica (which currently has no countries within its borders.) Currently, there are 195 countries in the world across all continents. Africa is split into 54 countries, Asia 48, Australia/Oceania 7, Europe 51, North America 23, and South America, 12.

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What are the 7 Continents of the World | Facts, Maps & Resources

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Planet Earth is home to 7.3 billion people and over 1.5 million different species of animals, insects, and plants spread across 7 continents. Earth was not always comprised of seven continents. A billion years ago, the world would have been much different being made of much more water than we have today.