# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The myth of Oisín and the land of eternal youth - Iseult Gillespie

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Salmon of Knowledge, the Dragon & Fionn

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tir na nOg Review: Storytellers - Celtic Frost

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Once upon a Time in Ireland The Children of Lir

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Irish myth of the Giant's Causeway - Iseult Gillespie

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
African Folklore Kahoot - Details - Kahoot!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Shrutipurna Life Coach & Softskills Trainer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
THE MAGIC CASK                     #storytime #folktales #englishstory

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Elephants Have Wings read by Susanne Gervay

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Antarctic Folklore Kahoot - Details - Kahoot!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Asian Folklore Kahoot - Details - Kahoot!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Australian Folklore Kahoot - Details - Kahoot!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
European Folklore Kahoot - Details - Kahoot!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
North American Kahoot - Details - Kahoot!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
South American Kahoot - Details - Kahoot!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Antarctica is a unique continent in that it does not have a native human population.

Subjects

Biology, Earth Science, Geology, Oceanography, Geography, Human Geography, Physical Geography

The continent of Antarctica makes up most of the Antarctic region. The Antarctic is a cold, remote area in the Southern Hemisphere encompassed by the Antarctic Convergence. The Antarctic Convergence is an uneven line of latitude where cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters of the world's oceans. The Antarctic covers approximately 20 percent of the Southern Hemisphere.

Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent in terms of total area. (It is larger than both Oceania and Europe.) Antarctica is a unique continent in that it does not have a native human population. There are no countries in Antarctica. Seven countries made defined claims to Antarctic territory prior to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. The treaty does not legally recognize any claims.

The Antarctic also includes island territories within the Antarctic Convergence. The islands of the Antarctic region are: South Orkney Islands and South Shetland Islands, claimed by the United Kingdom; South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, administered by the United Kingdom and claimed by Argentina; Peter I Island and Bouvet Island, claimed by Norway; Heard and McDonald islands, claimed by Australia; and Scott Island and the Balleny Islands, claimed by New Zealand.

Physical Geography

Physical Features
The Antarctic Ice Sheet dominates the region. It is the largest single piece of ice on Earth. This ice sheet even extends beyond the continent when snow and ice are at their most extreme.

The ice surface dramatically grows in size from about three million square kilometers (1.2 million square miles) at the end of summer to about 19 million square kilometers (7.3 million square miles) by winter. Ice sheet growth mainly occurs at the coastal ice shelves, primarily the Ross Ice Shelf and the Ronne Ice Shelf. Ice shelves are floating sheets of ice that are connected to the continent. Glacial ice moves from the continent's interior to these lower- elevation ice shelves at rates of 10 to 1,000 meters (33 to 32,808 feet) per year.

Antarctica has a number of mountain summits, including the Transantarctic Mountains, which divide the continent into eastern and western regions. A few of these summits reach altitudes of more than 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). The elevation of the Antarctic Ice Sheet itself is about 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) and reaches 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level near the center of the continent.

Without any ice, Antarctica would emerge as a giant peninsula and archipelago of mountainous islands, known as Lesser Antarctica, and a single large landmass about the size of Australia, known as Greater Antarctica. These regions have different geologies.

Greater Antarctica, or East Antarctica, is composed of older, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Lesser Antarctica, or West Antarctica, is made up of younger, volcanic and sedimentary rock. Lesser Antarctica, in fact, is part of the " Ring of Fire," a tectonically active area around the Pacific Ocean. Tectonic activity is the interaction of plates on Earth's crust, often resulting in earthquakes and volcanoes. Mount Erebus, located on Antarctica's Ross Island, is the southernmost active volcano on Earth.

The majority of the islands and archipelagos of Lesser Antarctica are volcanic and heavily glaciated. They are also home to a number of high mountains.

The oceans surrounding Antarctica provide an important physical component of the Antarctic region. The waters surrounding Antarctica are relatively deep, reaching 4,000 to 5,000 meters (13,123 to 16,404 feet) in depth.

Antarctica has an extremely cold, dry climate. Winter temperatures along Antarctica's coast generally range from -10° to -30°C (14° to -22°F). During the summer, coastal areas hover around 0°C (32°F) but can reach temperatures as high as 9°C (48°F).

In the mountainous, interior regions, temperatures are much colder, dropping below -60°C (-76°F) in winter and -20°C (-4°F) in summer. In 1983, Russia's Vostok Research Station measured the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth: -89.2°C (-128.6°F). An even lower temperature was measured using satellite data taken in 2010: -93.2°C (-135.8°F)

Precipitation in the Antarctic is hard to measure. It always falls as snow. Antarctica's interior is believed to receive only 50 to 100 millimeters (two to four inches) of water (in the form of snow) every year. The Antarctic desert is one of the driest deserts in the world.

The Antarctic region has an important role in global climate processes. It is an integral part of Earth's heat balance. The heat balance, also called the energy balance, is the relationship between the amount of solar heat absorbed by Earth's atmosphere and the amount of heat reflected back into space.

Antarctica has a larger role than most continents in maintaining Earth's heat balance. Ice is more reflective than land or water surfaces. The massive Antarctic Ice Sheet reflects a large amount of solar radiation away from Earth's surface. As global ice cover (ice sheets and glaciers) decreases, the reflectivity of Earth's surface also decreases. This allows more incoming solar radiation to be absorbed by Earth's surface, causing an unequal heat balance linked to global warming, the current period of climate change.

Interestingly, NASA scientists have found that climate change has actually caused more ice to form in some parts of Antarctica. They say this is happening because of new climate patterns caused by climate change. These patterns create a strong wind pattern called the " polar vortex." Polar vortex winds lower temperatures in the Antarctic and have been building in strength in recent decades-as much as 15 percent since 1980. This effect is not seen throughout the Antarctic, however, and some parts are experiencing ice melt.

The waters surrounding Antarctica are a key part of the " ocean conveyor belt," a global system in which water circulates around the globe based on density and on currents. The cold waters surrounding Antarctica, known as the Antarctic Bottom Water, are so dense that they push against the ocean floor. The Antarctic Bottom Water causes warmer waters to rise, or upwell.

Antarctic upwelling is so strong that it helps move water around the entire planet. This movement is aided by strong winds that circumnavigate Antarctica. Without the aid of the oceans around Antarctica, Earth's waters would not circulate in a balanced and efficient manner.

Lichens, mosses, and terrestrial algae are among the few species of vegetation that grow in Antarctica. More of this vegetation grows in the northern and coastal regions of Antarctica, while the interior has little if any vegetation.

The ocean, however, teems with fish and other marine life. In fact, the waters surrounding Antarctica are among the most diverse on the planet. Upwelling allows phytoplankton and algae to flourish. Thousands of species, such as krill, feed on the plankton. Fish and a large variety of marine mammals thrive in the cold Antarctic waters. Blue ( Balaenoptera musculus), fin ( Balaenoptera physalus), humpback ( Megaptera novaeangliae), right, minke, sei ( Balaenoptera borealis), and sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus) have healthy populations in Antarctica.

One of the apex, or top, predators in Antarctica is the leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx). The leopard seal is one of the most aggressive of all marine predators. This three-meter (nine-foot), 400-kilogram (882-pound) animal has unusually long, sharp teeth, which it uses to tear into prey such as penguins and fish.

The most familiar animal of Antarctica is probably the penguin. They have adapted to the cold, coastal waters. Their wings serve as flippers as they "fly" through the water in search of prey such as squid and fish. Their feathers retain a layer of air, helping them keep warm in the freezing water.

Cultural Geography

A Culture of Science
While the Antarctic does not have permanent human residents, the region is a busy outpost for a variety of research scientists. These scientists work at government-supported research stations and come from dozens of different countries. The number of scientists conducting research varies throughout the year, from about 1,000 in winter to around 5,000 in summer.

Researchers from a variety of scientific backgrounds study the Antarctic not only as a unique environment, but also as an indicator of broader global processes. Geographers map the surface of the world's coldest and most isolated continent. Meteorologists study climate patterns, including the " ozone hole" that hovers over the Antarctic. Climatologists track the history of Earth's climate using ice cores from Antarctica's pristine ice sheet. Marine biologists study the behavior of whales, seals, and squid. Astronomers make observations from Antarctica's interior because it offers the clearest view of space from Earth.

Even astrobiologists, who study the possibility of life outside Earth's atmosphere, study materials found in the Antarctic. In 1984, a meteorite from Mars was found in Antarctica. The markings on this meteorite were similar to markings left by bacteria on Earth. If this meteorite, millions of years old, actually has the remains of martian bacteria, it would be the only scientific evidence for life outside Earth.

Daily Life at Antarctica's Research Stations
Antarctica is a unique cultural place that is best defined by daily life at its diverse research stations. McMurdo Station is a U.S. research center on the southern tip of Ross Island, a territory claimed by New Zealand. McMurdo is the largest station in Antarctica, capable of supporting 1,250 residents. Most of these residents are not scientists, but work to support station operations, construction, maintenance, and daily life. McMurdo has more than 80 buildings and operates like a small city. It has world-class laboratory and research facilities but also a firehouse, dormitories, stores, and the continent's only ATM.

Like all Antarctic research stations, McMurdo has a specific method of receiving necessary supplies. Once a year, cargo ships bring more than fiv million kilograms (11 million pounds) of equipment and supplies, ranging from trucks and tractors to dry and frozen foods, to scientific instruments. These cargo ships can only reach Winter Quarters Bay, McMurdo's harbor, during summer, when the pack ice can be breached by U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers. Additional supplies and personnel are flown in from Christchurch, New Zealand, when weather permits.

Base Esperanza, Argentina's largest Antarctic facility, is located in Hope Bay on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The station is known for a number of Antarctica "firsts." It is the birthplace of Emilio Marcos Palma, the first person to be born in Antarctica. Base Esperanza also houses the first Catholic chapel (1976) and first school (1978) built on the continent. In 1979, Base Esperanza became the continent's first shortwave radio broadcaster, connecting the research station with Argentina's continental territory.

Davis Station is Australia's busiest scientific research station. It is located in an ice-free area known as the Vestfold Hills. Like most research stations in Antarctica, food is very important at Davis Station. Residents live and work closely together in facilities and outdoor environments that are often very monotonous. As such, food plays an important role in providing variety to residents like those at Davis Station.

Food supplies are, however, very limited. The food supply for a year at Davis Station is rationed, per person per year. Residents live mostly on frozen and canned food. The chef is often thought of as one of the most important people at Davis Station. He or she must make sure to use all commodities in such a way that is both creative and sustainable. Some of the station's most important events revolve around the chef's creations, such as the Midwinter Dinner, a traditional, sumptuous feast first celebrated during the 1901-04 British Antarctic Expedition.

Like many of Antarctica's research facilities, Davis Station has a hydroponic greenhouse. Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants with water and nutrients only. Hydroponics requires excellent gardeners because produce is grown without soil. Fresh produce adds variety and nutrition to Antarctic meals. The greenhouse also serves as a sunroom for sunlight-deprived residents, especially during the long winter months.

Political Geography

Historic Issues
For many European and North American powers, Antarctica represented the last great frontier for human exploration. Fueled by nationalist pride and supported by advances in science and navigation, many explorers took on the " Race for the Antarctic."

Explorers first skimmed the boundaries of Antarctica on sea voyages. By the early 20th century, explorers started to traverse the interior of Antarctica. The aim of these expeditions was often more competitive than scientific. Explorers wanted to win the "Race to the South Pole" more than understand Antarctica's environment. Because early explorers confronted extreme obstacles and debilitating conditions, this period of time became known as the " Heroic Age." Roald Amundsen, Robert Falcon Scott, Edward Adrian Wilson, and Ernest Shackleton all competed in the Race to the South Pole.

In 1911, Amundsen, of Norway, and Scott, of the United Kingdom, began expeditions with the aim of becoming the first man to reach the South Pole. Amundsen's team set out from the Bay of Whales in the Ross Sea on October 19, while Scott set out from Ross Island on November 1.

Each team used different methods, with drastically different levels of success. Amundsen's team relied on dog sleds and skiing to reach the pole, covering as much as 64 kilometers (40 miles) per day. Scott's team, on the other hand, pulled their sleighs by hand, collecting geological samples along the way. Amundsen's team became the first to reach the South Pole on December 15. The team was healthy, and successfully made the journey out of Antarctica. Scott's team reached the South Pole on January 17, 1912, suffering from malnutrition, snow blindness, exhaustion, and injury. They all died on their journey home.

Hoping to one-up his predecessors, Shackleton, of the United Kingdom, attempted the first transcontinental crossing of Antarctica in 1914. Shackleton planned the trip by using two ships, the Aurora and the Endurance, at opposite ends of the continent. Aurora would sail to the Ross Sea and deposit supplies. On the opposite side, Endurance would sail through the Weddell Sea to reach the continent. Once there, the team would march to the pole with dog teams, dispose of extra baggage, and use supplies left by Aurora to reach the other end of the continent.

The plan failed. The Endurance became frozen in the pack ice of the Weddell Sea. The pack ice crushed and sunk the ship. Shackleton's team survived for roughly four months on the ice by setting up makeshift camps. Their food sources were leopard seals, fish, and, ultimately, their sled dogs. Once the ice floe broke, expedition members used lifeboats to reach safer land and were picked up on Elephant Island 22 months after they'd set out on their journey. Although some of the crew sustained injuries, they all survived.

The journey of the Endurance expedition symbolizes the Heroic Age, a time of extreme sacrifice and bravery in the name of exploration and discovery. Apsley George Benet Cherry-Garrard, a polar explorer, summed up the Heroic Age in his book The Worst Journey in the World: "For a joint scientific and geographical piece of organisation, give me Scott; for a Winter Journey, Wilson; for a dash to the Pole and nothing else, Amundsen: and if I am in the devil of a hole and want to get out of it, give me Shackleton every time."

Contemporary Issues
The second half of the 20th century was a time of drastic change in the Antarctic. This change was initially fueled by the Cold War, a period of time defined by the division between the United States and the Soviet Union, and the threat of nuclear war.

The International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58 aimed to end Cold War divisions among the scientific community by promoting global scientific exchange. The IGY prompted an intense period of scientific research in the Antarctic. Many countries conducted their first Antarctic explorations and constructed the first research stations on Antarctica. More than 50 Antarctic stations were established for the IGY by just 12 countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In 1959, these countries signed the Antarctic Treaty, which established that: the region south of 60°S latitude remain politically neutral; no nation or group of people can claim any part of the Antarctic as territory; countries cannot use the region for military purposes or to dispose of radioactive waste; and research can only be done for peaceful purposes.

The Antarctic Treaty does support territorial claims made before 1959, by New Zealand, Australia, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Chile, and Argentina. Under the treaty, the size of these claims cannot be changed and new claims cannot be made. Most importantly, the treaty establishes that any treaty-state has free access to the whole region. As such, research stations supported by a variety of treaty-states have been constructed within each of these territorial claims. Today, 47 states have signed the Antarctic Treaty.

The Antarctic Treaty was an important geopolitical milestone because it was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War. Along with the IGY, the Antarctic Treaty symbolized global understanding and exchange during a period of intense division and secrecy.

Many important documents have been added to the Antarctic Treaty. Collectively known as the Antarctic Treaty System, they cover such topics as pollution, conservation of animals and other marine life, and protection of natural resources.

The yearly Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is a forum for the Antarctic Treaty System and its administration. Only 28 of the 47 treaty-states have decision-making powers during these meetings. These include the 12 original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, along with 16 other countries that have conducted substantial and consistent scientific research there.

Future Issues
Two important and related issues that concern the Antarctic region are climate change and tourism. The ATCM continues to address both issues.

Antarctic tourism has grown substantially in the last decade, with roughly 40,000 visitors coming to the region in 2010. In 2009, the ATCM held meetings in New Zealand to discuss the impact of tourism on the Antarctic environment. Officials worked closely with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to establish better practices that would reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of tour ships. These include regulations and restrictions on: numbers of people ashore; planned activities; wildlife watching; pre- and post-visit activity reporting; passenger, crew, and staff briefings; and emergency medical-evacuation plans. The ACTM and IAATO hope more sustainable tourism will reduce the environmental impacts of the sensitive Antarctic ecosystem.

Tourism is one facet of the ACTM's climate change outline, discussed during meetings in Norway in 2010. Climate change disproportionately affects the Antarctic region, as evidenced by reductions in the size of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and the warming waters off the coast. The ACTM recommended that treaty-states develop energy-efficient practices that reduce the carbon footprint of activities in Antarctica and cut fossil fuel use from research stations, vessels, ground transportation, and aircraft.

The Antarctic has become a symbol of climate change. Scientists and policymakers are focusing on changes in this environmentally sensitive region to push for its protection and the sustainable use of its scientific resources.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Illustrators

Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society

Editors

Jeannie Evers, Emdash Editing, Emdash Editing

Producer

National Geographic Society

other

Last Updated

November 15, 2024

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

Media

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service.

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Antarctica is a unique continent in that it does not have a native human population.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Searchable site of thousands of quality teaching resources, interactive resources, homework, exam and revision help. Useful for teachers, pupils and parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Asia is the largest of the world's continents, covering approximately 30 percent of the Earth's land area. It is also the world's most populous continent, with roughly 60 percent of the total population.

Asia makes up the eastern portion of the Eurasian supercontinent; Europe occupies the western portion. The border between the two continents is debated. However, most geographers define Asia's western border as an indirect line that follows the Ural Mountains, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Caspian and Black Seas. Asia is bordered by the Arctic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Asia's physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately.

Asia can be divided into five major physical regions: mountain systems; plateaus; plains, steppes, and deserts; freshwater environments; and saltwater environments.

Mountain Systems

The Himalaya mountains extend for about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles), separating the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia. The Indian subcontinent, once connected to Africa, collided with the Eurasian continent about 50 million to 55 million years ago, forming the Himalayas. The Indian subcontinent is still crashing northward into Asia, and the Himalayas are growing about 5 centimeters (2 inches) every year.

The Himalayas cover more than 612,000 square kilometers (236,000 square miles), passing through the northern states of India and making up most of the terrain of Nepal and Bhutan. The Himalayas are so vast that they are composed of three different mountain belts. The northernmost belt, known as the Great Himalayas, has the highest average elevation at 6,096 meters (20,000 feet). The belt contains nine of the highest peaks in the world, which all reach more than 7,925 meters (26,000 feet) tall. This belt includes the highest mountain summit in the world, Mount Everest, which stands at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet).

The Tien Shan mountain system stretches for about 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles), straddling the border between Kyrgyzstan and China. The name Tien Shan means "Celestial Mountains" in Chinese. The two highest peaks in the Tien Shan are Victory Peak, which stands at 7,439 meters (24,406 feet), and Khan Tängiri Peak, which stands at 6,995 meters (22,949 feet). Tien Shan also has more than 10,100 square kilometers (3,900 square miles) of glaciers. The largest glacier is Engil'chek Glacier, which is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) long.

The Ural Mountains run for approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) in an indirect north-south line from Russia to Kazakhstan. The Ural Mountains are some of the world's oldest, at 250 million to 300 million years old. Millions of years of erosion have lowered the mountains significantly, and today their average elevation is between 914 and 1,220 meters (3,000 to 4,000 feet). The highest peak is Mount Narodnaya at 1,895 meters (6,217 feet).

Plateaus

Asia is home to many plateaus, areas of relatively level high ground. The Iranian plateau covers more than 3.6 million square kilometers (1.4 million square miles), encompassing most of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The plateau is not uniformly flat, but contains some high mountains and low river basins. The highest mountain peak is Damavand, at 5,610 meters (18,410 feet). The plateau also has two large deserts, the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut.

The Deccan Plateau makes up most of the southern part of India. The plateau's average elevation is about 600 meters (2,000 feet). It is bordered by three mountain ranges: the Satpura Range in the north, and the Eastern and Western Ghats on either side. The plateau and its main waterways-the Godavari and Krishna rivers-gently slope toward the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.

The Tibetan Plateau is usually considered the largest and highest area ever to exist in the history of Earth. Known as the "Rooftop of the World," the plateau covers an area about half the size of the contiguous United States and averages more than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level. The Tibetan Plateau is extremely important to the world's water cycle because of its tremendous number of glaciers. These glaciers contain the largest volume of ice outside the poles. The ice and snow from these glaciers feed Asia's largest rivers. Approximately 2 billion people depend on the rivers fed by the plateau's glaciers.

Plains, Steppes, and Deserts

The West Siberian Plain, located in central Russia, is considered one of the world's largest areas of continuous flatland. It extends from north to south about 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) and from west to east about 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles). With more than 50 percent of its area at less than 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level, the plain contains some of the world's largest swamps and flood plains.

Central Asia is dominated by a steppe landscape, a large area of flat, unforested grassland. Mongolia can be divided into different steppe zones: the mountain forest steppe, the arid steppe, and the desert steppe. These zones transition from the country's mountainous region in the north to the Gobi Desert on the southern border with China.

The Rub' al Khali desert, considered the world's largest sand sea, covers an area larger than France across Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. It holds roughly half as much sand as Africa's Sahara desert, even though it is 15 times smaller in size. The desert is known as the Empty Quarter because it is virtually inhospitable to humans except for Bedouin tribes that live on its edges.

Freshwater

Lake Baikal, located in southern Russia, is the deepest lake in the world, reaching a depth of 1,620 meters (5,315 feet). The lake contains 20 percent of the world's unfrozen freshwater, making it the largest reservoir on Earth. It is also the world's oldest lake, at 25 million years old.

The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world (behind the Amazon of South America and the Nile of Africa). Reaching 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles) in length, the Yangtze moves east from the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau to the river's mouth on the East China Sea. The Yangtze is considered the lifeblood of China. It drains one-fifth of the country's land area, is home to one-third of its population, and contributes greatly to China's economy.

The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers begin in the highlands of eastern Turkey and flow through Syria and Iraq, joining in the city of Qurna, Iraq, before emptying into the Persian Gulf. The land between the two rivers, known as Mesopotamia, was the center of the earliest civilizations, including Sumer and the Akkadian Empire. Today, the Tigris-Euphrates river system is under threat from increased agricultural and industrial use. These pressures have caused desertification and increased salts in the soil, severely damaging local watershed habitats.

Saltwater

The Persian Gulf has an area of more than 234,000 square kilometers (90,000 square miles). It borders Iran, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq. The gulf is subject to high rates of evaporation, making it shallow and extremely salty. The seabed beneath the Persian Gulf contains an estimated 50 percent of the world's oil reserves. The countries that border the gulf have engaged in a number of disputes over this rich resource.

The Sea of Okhotsk covers 1.5 million square kilometers (611,000 square miles) between the Russian mainland and the Kamchatka Peninsula. The sea is largely frozen between October and March. Large ice floes make winter navigation almost impossible.

The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world, covering almost 2.2 million square kilometers (839,000 square miles) and bordering Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Burma. Many large rivers, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra, empty into the bay. The briny wetlands formed by the Ganges-Brahmaputra on the Bay of Bengal is the largest delta in the world.

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

Botanists nickname China the "Mother of Gardens." It has more flowering plant species than North and South America combined. Because China has such diverse landscapes, from the arid Gobi Desert to the tropical rain forests of Yunnan Province, many flowers can adapt to climates all over the world. From roses to peonies, many familiar flowers most likely originated in northern China. China is the likely origin of such fruit trees as peaches and oranges. China is also home to the dawn redwood, the only redwood tree found outside North America.

Asia's diverse physical and cultural landscape has dictated the way animals have been domesticated. In the Himalayas, communities use yaks as beasts of burden. Yaks are large animals related to cattle, but with a thick fiber coat and the ability to survive in the oxygen-poor high altitude of the mountains. Yaks are not only used for transportation and for pulling plows, but their coats are sources of warm, hardy fiber. Yak milk is used for butter and cheese.

In the Mongolian steppe, the two-humped Bactrian camel is the traditional beast of burden. Bactrian camels are critically endangered in the wild. The camel's humps store nutrient-rich fat, which the animal can use in times of drought, heat, or frost. Its size and ability to adapt to hardship make it an ideal pack animal. Bactrians can actually outrun horses over long distances. These camels were the traditional animals used in caravans on the Silk Road, the legendary trade route linking eastern Asia with India and the Middle East.

Aquatic Flora and Fauna

The freshwater and marine habitats of Asia offer incredible biodiversity.

Lake Baikal's age and isolation make it a unique biological site. Aquatic life has been able to evolve for millions of years relatively undisturbed, producing a rich variety of flora and fauna. The lake is known as the "Galápagos of Russia" because of its importance to the study of evolutionary science. It has 1,340 species of animals and 570 species of plants.

Hundreds of Lake Baikal's species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. The Baikal seal, for instance, is one of the few freshwater seal species in the world. The Baikal seal feeds primarily on the Baikal oil fish and the omul. Both fishes are similar to salmon, and provide fisheries for the communities on the lake.

The Bay of Bengal, on the Indian Ocean, is one of the world's largest tropical marine ecosystems. The bay is home to dozens of marine mammals, including the bottlenose dolphin, spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, and Bryde's whale. The bay also supports healthy tuna, jack, and marlin fisheries.

Some of the bay's most diverse array of organisms exist along its coasts and wetlands. Many wildlife reserves in and around the bay aim to protect its biological diversity.

The Sundarbans is a wetland area that forms at the delta of the Ganges and Brahamaputra rivers. The Sundarbans is a huge mangrove forest. Mangroves are hardy trees that are able to withstand the powerful, salty tides of the Bay of Bengal as well as the freshwater flows from the Ganges and Brahamaputra. In addition to mangroves, the Sundarbans is forested by palm trees and swamp grasses.

The swampy jungle of the Sundarbans supports a rich animal community. Hundreds of species of fish, shrimp, crabs, and snails live in the exposed root system of the mangrove trees. The Sundarbans supports more than 200 species of aquatic and wading birds. These small animals are part of a food web that includes wild boar, macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, and a healthy population of Bengal tigers.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Illustrators

Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society

Editors

Jeannie Evers, Emdash Editing, Emdash Editing

Producer

National Geographic Society

other

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. She or he will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to him or her, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

Media

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service.

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Asia is the largest of the world's continents. It can be divided into five major physical regions: mountain systems; plateaus; plains, steppes, and deserts; freshwater environments; and saltwater environments.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 MORE Games Inspired by Japanese Mythology and Folklore - Nicholas Andriani

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Video games have become a powerful medium for exploring the rich tradition of Japanese folklore. From Yokai to samurai, these games offer players a glimpse into a world inspired by the myths and legends of Japan. By drawing on this tradition, game designers are able to create immersive worlds that capture the imagination and offer a unique perspective on Japanese culture

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
National Geographic's latest travel stories about Australia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kookaburra | EASY Australian Songs for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Australia Song | Song for Kids | Countries of the World

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Old Continent is filled with history, rich heritage and many beautiful monumental buildings. When travelling around it, you'll often hear some interesting stories about them. To give you just a glance of them, we compiled here a list with some of the most interesting European myths and legends worth knowing about.

The most interesting European myths and legends

To share some of the best of what Europe has to offer with you, I asked some of my fellow travel writers to help me out and send me some of their favourite European myths and legends. And here they are...

The Prague Golem - Czech Republic

In the 16th century, Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II tried to expel or eradicate all the Jews in Prague. To help protect the Jewish people from persecution, Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel created the Golem - an artificial being made from clay and mud brought to life. With the Golem as their protector, the Jews of Prague were safe... for a while.

Stories differ on what happened next: some say that one Friday, Rabbi Loew forgot to remove the Golem's shem - the sacred writing that gives a Golem its power - and feared that it would desecrate the Sabbath. Other stories tell that the Golem simply became too powerful and began to destroy things at random.

In either case, Rabbi Loew was forced to permanently stop the Golem, and it crumbled into pieces, which legend tells are still being held in the Old New Synagogue of Prague to this day. The Golem's legendary feats can still be read about in many of Prague's books about golems, and you can even visit the Golem Bakery near the Old New Synagogue for a delicious Golem-shaped sweet treat!
/Jeremy from Dark Distractions/
The Loch Ness Monster - Scotland

The Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, as it is more colloquially known, is a creature that inhabits the deep waters of Loch Ness. This Scottish lake, just outside of Inverness, is one of the deepest lakes in the country and contains the most water. In fact, the waters here are an interesting colour, almost tar-like, thanks to the residue of peat that runs from the hilltops into the lock.

It is there, deep in its depths, a creature is believed to lurk. Many people are said to have spotted the Loch Ness Monster that is often depicted or remarked upon as being lizard or dragon-like. In 1933 a photograph was even taken, the first in a number over the years, that appeared to show a huge creature in the middle of the lake. Since then, there have been over a thousand sightings of this ambiguous animal, although despite extensive radar investigation, concrete evidence is proving elusive.

If you're taking a family holiday to Scotland, then a trip to Loch Ness, including a boat trip across the water, is an absolute must.
/Nichola from Family Hotel Expert/
Archangel Michael at Mont Saint Michel - France

Mont Saint-Michel is a place shrouded in different myths and legends. This tiny island located in Normandy in northern France and dates back to the 8th century. It's a popular tourist attraction and a beautiful spot for sightseeing and learning about the fascinating local history.

Mont Saint-Michel was actually constructed because of a dream that Bishop Aubert of Avranches had in 708. The archangel Michael appeared to him and instructed him to build an abbey on the island. At first, the bishop ignored the dream, but Michael reappeared and is even said to have burned a hole in the bishop's head as a reminder to construct the abbey. He is said to have whispered, "build it, and they will come" repeatedly until the bishop began construction of the first buildings in Mont Saint-Michel.

The bishop's skull can still be seen today at the Saint-Gervais d'Avranches Basilica, and you can even make out the mark that the archangel left.
/Victoria from Guide Your Travel/
Robin Hood - England

Robin Hood is a well-known tale of good versus evil, and love conquers all. He was a heroic outlaw in English folklore.

According to legend, Robin Hood was a skilled archer and swordsman who, along with his band of 'merry men' fought the oppression of corrupt authority figures like the infamous Sherriff of Nottingham and stole money and other riches from the rich to give to the poor. The existence of Robin Hood is just a fable as far as history knows. Still, there are references to characters of a similar description and name dating back to the 13th century.

Nottingham is the focal point for the legend, with battles and heists taking place at Nottingham Castle and Sherwood forest. Visitors to the city can get familiar with the legend of Robin Hood at multiple top attractions in Nottingham. There is also a week-long festival dedicated to the myth at Sherwood Forest in honour of the icon and his merry men.
/Steph from Book It Let's Go!/
The Myth of Ariadne, Theseus and Minotaur - Greece

The Greek myth of Ariadne, Theseus, and the Minotaur is deeply tied to the Palace of Knossos on Crete. Poseidon sent King Minos, who lived at the Palace of Knossos, a bull to sacrifice. The bull was so beautiful that Minos did not kill it. As revenge, Poseidon caused Minos' wife to fall in love with the bull, producing the Minotaur as their offspring. Eventually, Minos banished the Minotaur to an elaborate labyrinth below the palace. It was so complex that no one could escape from it. After Minos' son died in Athens, the Athenians were required to send young men and women as a tribute to Knossos to be sacrificed to the Minotaur.

The great Greek hero Theseus volunteered to be sent to kill the Minotaur and free Athens from the sacrifice. Upon arriving in Crete, he met Minos' daughter Ariadne, who fell in love with him. She cleverly thought up a way for Theseus to find his way in the labyrinth using a ball of thread to unroll as he went. This allowed him to escape after he killed the Minotaur in battle. Theseus and Ariadne fled Crete and moved on to further adventures.

Modern-day travellers can explore the myth at the actual archaeological site of the Palace of Knossos and the nearby Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Visiting is a profound experience for anyone interested in archaeology, mythology, or history. Knossos is often referred to as the first European city. The technological and architectural wonders are very advanced for their time. In fact, the structures undergirding the palace are so complex that they are thought to be the labyrinth itself. There is also extensive artwork representing bulls throughout the palace complex. Additionally, there is an area on the grounds where ancient Minoans practised bull-leaping. Visitors today can marvel at the overlap between the myth of the Minotaur and the Palace of Knossos.
/Erica Forrest from Tripscholars/
Phantom of the Opera Garnier in Paris - France

The legend of the Phantom of the Opera is a mystery that hovers over the famous Opera Garnier in Paris. The tale began with a love story between a pianist and a ballerina. Unfortunately, in 1873, a major fire broke out in the music conservatory where they both met. His fiancée, as well as many other people, died.

Although the pianist survived, his face was seriously injured. Then all the Parisians looked at him as if he was a monster. Therefore, he decided to hide in the basement of the Garnier Opera House and finished his days there. Because of a series of strange and unexplained events happening in the building, people started to talk about the Phantom of the Opera haunting the basement.

In 1910, Gaston Leroux took inspiration from this legend to write the famous worldwide book The Phantom of the Opera. Many films and musicals were adapted from it, making it one of the most interesting European myths and legends.

The Palais Garnier is a stunning opera house built at the end of the 19th century. It's a masterpiece of architecture combining the Baroque, Classicism, and Renaissance styles. It's one of the best places to take photos in Paris! You can visit it and attend some operas and ballets there.
/Ophelie from Limitless Secrets/
Finn McCool - Northern Ireland

Finn McCool is one of the most iconic mythological figures in European history. His most famous legend is linked with one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland. That legend being his creation of Giant's Causeway as a walkway from Northern Ireland to Scotland.

Giant's Causeway was destroyed by the Scottish giant Benandonner. More than sixteen metres tall Finn disguised himself as a baby after seeing Benandonner's even larger size. Benandonner fled Northern Ireland, thinking if Finn's baby is that big, Finn must be even bigger and ripping up Giant's Causeway.

Giant's Causeway is a UK National Trust area, National Nature Reserve, Special Area of Conservation, Natural Beauty, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many other Finn McCool places are nearby. The Finn McCool's pub in Bushmills is the closest such named place.

About 56 kilometres away, Lough Neagh was allegedly formed as Finn McCool scooped a chunk of land to throw at Benandonner. That chunk of land became the Isle of Man. I can trace my McCool family to the 1660s at a spot only six miles from Lough Neagh. So, is Finn McCool really a myth or actually one of my ancestors? Hmmm...
/Charles McCool from McCool Travel/
Athens and its name - Greece

One of the most famous European myths and legends is the one about Athens getting its name. Athens was the most powerful city in ancient Greece. Some of the gods of Olympus wanted to become patrons of the town. The two main contenders were Athena, the goddess of wisdom and courage, and Poseidon, the sea god.

Zeus declared that they should each give a gift to the people of Athens and let them decide which was the greatest gift and who they would like as patron. Everyone gathered on the Acropolis to see what gifts they would be given by the two gods. Poseidon strode into the clearing in the centre and struck a rock with his trident. Water gushed forth, and everyone was impressed by the idea that they would have a good water supply. But those who drank the water were disappointed to find that it was salty like seawater.

Athena stepped forward, carrying a tiny seed. She carefully planted the seed in the ground, and a beautiful olive tree quickly grew. Everyone declared that Athena was the winner, as the olive tree would give them food, oil, firewood and shade. The city was named after Athena, and she was proclaimed the city's patron. The sacred olive tree still grows on the Acropolis, making it a part of one of the most exciting European myths and legends.
/Chrysoula from Athens and Beyond/
Romulus and Remus - Italy

The most famous Rome myth that of Romulus and Remus has to do with the actual foundation of the city on April 21, 753 BC. And, with that, of the Kingdom of Rome, which later on became the most mighty empire of the time.

Legend has it that Romulus and Remus were born in Alba Longa, southeast of Rome, which was the head of the old Latin League. Their grandfather was Numitur, the king of Alba Longa, deposed by their uncle, Amulius. The latter saw them as a threat to his rule and ordered that they were killed. The twins were thus abandoned on the banks of the Tiber River, where they were rescued by Tiberinus, God of the River, who gave them to a she-wolf who'd care for them in her cave home, the Lupercal - located at the base of the Palatine Hill.

They were then taken by Faustulus, a shepherd who brought them up tending to his animals and did not know about their royal origins.

Once they grew up, Romulus and Remus became involved in an argument between Numitur - the former king of Alba Longa and their grandfather - and Amulius. Remus was made a prisoner, and it was then that his identity became clear. Freed from prison by Romulus, the brothers and Numitur joined forces against Amulius and set up to find their own city. However, they disagreed over which hill it had to be founded on. The argument ended up with Remus being killed and with Romulus becoming the first king of Rome.
/Claudia Tavani from Strictly Rome/
The legend of the Huldra - Norway

Like with many other European myths and legends, the story of the Huldra in Norway has evolved over the years. So there are several variations to this Scandinavian folk legend. As the legend goes, the Huldra was a beautiful forest creature who appears human but with a cow's tail.

With her long blonde hair and stunning appearance, the Huldra is a known seductress who lures men into the woods. Some versions of the legend claim the Huldra seduces the men to gain her humanity. Other versions of the legend bring death to the men who are enticed away by her beauty.

If you take a scenic journey on the Flam Railway, one of the most popular things to do in Flam, Norway, you'll hear the legend of the Huldra firsthand over the speaker in your railcar. The train makes a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall. It is there, as visitors disembark from the train to gaze at the waterfall's beauty that a woman emerges from the forest and dances to Norwegian folk song atop a cliff adjacent to the waterfall. The dance is a lovely and artistic depiction of the tale of the Huldra.
/Melissa from Parenthood and Passports/
Sligachan Bridge - Scotland

Sligachan Bridge, located in the valley of the Black Cuillin, is one of the Isle of Skye's most famous sites. However, not everybody knows the story behind it, which is absolutely one of the most interesting European myths and legends.

Irish fighter Cú Chulainn set sail to Skye after hearing about the strength of warrior princess Scáthach. Upon his arrival, they fought for weeks. The battle was so fierce that it profoundly changed the landscape of Skye, sending cracks across the island, forming valleys and mountains.

When it dawned on Scáthach's daughter that this would be a fight to the death, she fled to Sligachan Bridge. She sat at the water's edge, pleading for the violence to end. However, she wasn't aware that the river is the gateway to the fairy world.

The fairies heard her pain and instructed her to dip her head below the water's surface for seven seconds. Once she rose, she knew what she must do. She made a delicious stew, fanning the smoke across the hills.

The two warriors got a sniff of the meal and agreed to take a break from fighting. After arriving at Scáthach's home, they ate together. By eating in Scáthach's home, Cú Chulainn was her guest, and neither fighter could hurt the other. The war was finished.
/Sheree Hooker from Winging the World/
The White Stag - Hungary

One of the most famous and historically essential legends in Hungary, is the story of the white, wonderous stag, It's one of the most interesting European myths and legends that has a few similar versions.

When twins Hunor and Magor went for a day of hunting with their father, Ancient Mesopotamia's King Nimrod, they spotted a white stag and decided to chase it. It led them to take a long journey further and further to the west. Each night the stag would disappear, only to reappear again in the morning. As they continued their journey, they discovered new lands they had never seen or known before.

One morning, they saw a group of young women dancing and singing by the river banks. They turned out to be the daughters of a local king. After marrying two of them, the twins settled in a part of this newly discovered land. Hunor's descendants became the Huns, while Magyar's descendants became the Magyars. Their union, later on, was believed to be the birth of the Hungarian nation.
/Or from My Path in the World/
Dragon of Ljubljana - Slovenia

The city of Ljubljana is connected to its symbol, the dragon. You can find it on the coat of arm, bridge, castle, registration plates, local beer, etc. There are many stories about the origin of the Ljubljana dragon. Still, the most poetic one is about Jason and Argonauts.

After Jason has retrieved Golden Fleece from winged ram, he was on his way back home on board of ship Argo. By mistake, they got lost and sailed into the mouth of the Danube River. They continued upstream of Danube, then to Sava River and finally at the Ljubljanica River.

As winter came, they had to stop at a place where Ljubljana is located today. There lived a big and robust dragon in the swamp. After a fierce fight with the dragon, Jason won. In spring, they dismantled their ship and carried it to the Adriatic sea. From there, they sailed back home. In memory of that event, Ljubljana today has a dragon as the symbol of the city.
/Džangir Kolar from Drjamtravels/
Devil's Bridge in Tuscany - Italy

The Ponte della Maddalena in Tuscany, better known as Devil's Bridge, is a stone arch bridge built in the 14th century. It is located near Lucca, and one of the most interesting European legends is linked to its construction.

It says the construction work was difficult and could not be completed by the agreed deadline. So one day, the devil appeared to the builder, and they made a pact: the bridge was to be finished overnight. But in exchange for which the first soul to cross the stone bridge would be sacrificed. No sooner said than done, the following day, the huge bridge arch was ready.

But now, the builder had a guilty conscience and told the priest about his deed. The priest gave him a tip to keep the pact with the devil and drive a pig over the bridge first. So in the morning, a pig ran over the bridge first, whereupon the devil was so angry about the trick that he threw himself off the bridge and never let himself be seen again in this area.
/Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma/
There are so many interesting stories in Europe, it's impossible to put them all in one article. Do you know any other exciting European myths and legends? Share them with us in the comments.

Europe, European myths and legends

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The most exciting European myths and legends

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From Greece and Italy, to Norway and Scotland, we've curated some of the most exciting European myths and legends here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Beth's Notes Preschool & Elementary Music Lessons & Songs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
European Folk Songs (Western & Central) - Beth’s Notes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best Irish folk songs: 6 beautiful traditional Irish songs you can't help singing along to

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our handpicked selection of six beautiful Irish folk numbers. Immerse yourself in a world of folk, jazz, classical and more at classical-music.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Classic Folk Songs for Kids from Smithsonian Folkways

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.title
Classic Folk Songs for Kids from Smithsonian Folkways

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For Kids

Native Americans used games to teach their children safety, strength, agility, and sportsmanship. The games were fun but they had purpose. The game of Sep, the Toe Toss game, the Hand Game, the Snow Snake game and other games listed below are real Native American games that you can play at home or at school. They were very popular games in olden times and are still fun and challenging today. Good luck!

The Hand Game (Nez Perce)

Butterfly Hide and Seek (Ojibwa)
Moccasin Game (Ojibwa) Lacrosse (Ojibwa) Snow Snake Game (Iroquois) Toe Toss Stick (Apache)
BEAR RACE (Northwest Coastal) No equipment needed. Northwest Coast Play. Outside, hallway, or classroom if room allows: "Players line up behind starting line. At a signal they begin to run imitating a bear's shuffling gait - place left hand and right foot forward at the same time, then right hand and left foot forward. The first over the finish line wins; or the one with the best imitation of a bear may win. Older Children can return to the starting line to make the race longer and more challenging. Lesson: Observe ways of nature around you (in this care, the bear's movements). It also teaches that speed is not always as important as correct play." MORE: A list of other Native American games you can play in your classroom, with instructions, make your own game setup or have your kid do it

These are fun and interactive Native American games you can play online. Flash games have been removed.

Hoop and Darts game, interactive

Dr. Dirt's Time Travel Machine - Life Long Ago - Flintnappers, interactive

World of the Caddo, interactive

Solve an Ancient Mystery, Plains Native Americans, interactive
Adventures into the Past, interactive Guess the Word before the Turtle Hides in His Shell, Interactive Match the Dwellings to the First American Group, interactive
Weave a Virtual Wampum Belt, interactive

Whose Feature Is It? interactive

Native American Stories

Native American Stories - Child of Water and Little Blue Rock, Wise Owl, Clever Coyote, The Invisible Warrior, How Raven Stole Crow's Potlatch, and more

Return to ..
Native Americans in Olden Times for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Real Native American Games you can play at home or at school, and Interactive Native American games to play online - Native Americans in Olden Times for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Native Americans used games to teach their children safety, strength, agility, and sportsmanship. The games were fun but they had purpose. The game of Sep, the Toe Toss game, the Hand Game, the Snow Snake game and other games listed below are real Native American games that you can play at home or at school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
11 Fun and Easy Hispanic Games to Play During Hispanic Heritage M

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here are 11 traditional Hispanic games, along with a few new ones to add to your celebration this year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids learn about the geography and the countries of Africa. Facts like flags, maps, exports, natural resouces, people, and languages.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A map of Antarctica highlights the major geographic regions, ice sheets, and research stations (with the names of the countries that operate the stations in parentheses).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Asia is the largest and most populated continent. It has nearly one-third of the world's total land area and is home to more than half of Earth's people. It also has...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Australian Facts, Activities and Printable Map for Kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Map of Australia for Kids (free printable), Facts and Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Printable map of Australia, fun facts about Australia, Australian wildlife animal colouring pages, Australian flag and activities for kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Poster for children showing a map of Europe with little pictures that illustrate some of the national characteristics and traditions of each country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rivers of ireland map for kids - Map of rivers of ireland map for kids (Northern Europe - Europe)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Map of rivers of ireland map for kids. Rivers of ireland map for kids (Northern Europe - Europe) to print. Rivers of ireland map for kids (Northern Europe - Europe) to download.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
North America Map for Kids is one of the most innovative learning tool for children. Browse through this interesting map and learn about national parks, mountains, monuments and animals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
South America is the world's fourth largest continent. The countries of South America are also part of a larger cultural region known as Latin America, in which most of the...