Continents Of The World

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What are the Seven Continents?

There are seven continents in the world: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, North America, and South America. However, depending on where you live, you may have learned that there are five, six, or even four continents. This is because there is no official criteria for determining continents. While the position of landmasses on continental crust may be used to determine continents, geopolitical factors also affect their delineation. Below is an overview of the world's continent using the most popular classification system, the seven continent method.

Continents

North America

Sovereign Countries 23
Area (km2) 24,709,000 km2
Area (mi2) 9,540,000 mi2
Population 579,024,000
Population Density 23 km2
GDP (PPP) $26.03 Trillion
GDP per Capita $49,240
Description
North America is the third largest continent in the world by land area. By population, it is the fourth largest. Sometimes considered to be a subcontinent of the Americas, North America is found entirely in the northern hemisphere and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Atlantic ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, and South America to the south. North America is home to the longest land border in the world, which is shared between Canada the the United States.
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South America

Sovereign Countries 12
Area (km2) 17,840,000 km2
Area (mi2) 6,890,000 mi2
Population 423,581,078
Population Density 21 km2
GDP (PPP) $6.92 Trillion
GDP per Capita $8,560
Description
South America is the world’s fourth largest continent by land area, and the world’s third most populous. It is mostly situated in the southern hemisphere, with the exception of a small area of the northernmost portion of the continent. It is found completely in the western hemisphere. South America is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Southern Ocean in the south, and North America in the north.
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Europe

Sovereign Countries 50
Area (km2) 10,180,000 km2
Area (mi2) 3,930,000 mi2
Population 746,419,440
Population Density 73 km2
GDP (PPP) $29.01 Trillion
GDP per Capita $29,410
Description
Europe is the world’s third most populated continent, and the sixth largest continent by land area. Although physically connected to Asia, Europe has historically been considered a separate continent due to cultural and linguistic differences. The Ural and Caucasus Mountains are generally thought to be the eastern boundary of Europe. The other borders of Europe include the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Europe is home to more than 10% of the world’s population.
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Africa

Sovereign Countries 54
Area (km2) 30,370,000 km2
Area (mi2) 11,730,000 mi2
Population 1,275,920,972
Population Density 36 km2
GDP (PPP) $7.16 Trillion
GDP per Capita $1,930
Description
Africa is the world's second largest continent by both land area and population. The equator runs through Africa in the middle of the continent. Around one third of Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere. Africa makes up about 20% of the world’s total land area. The Indian Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea all surround Africa, to the east, west, and north respectively.
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Asia

Sovereign Countries 48
Area (km2) 44,579,000 km2
Area (mi2) 17,212,000 mi2
Population 4,560,667,108
Population Density 100 km2
GDP (PPP) $65.44 Trillion
GDP per Capita $7,350
Description
Asia is the world’s largest continent both by population and by land area. Comprising of 30% of the world’s land area, Asia borders the Pacific Ocean in the east, the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Indian Ocean in the south, and Europe to the west. Around 60% of the world’s population lives in Asia.
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Oceania

Sovereign Countries 14
Area (km2) 8,525,989 km2
Area (mi2) 3,291,903 mi2
Population 41,570,842
Population Density 4 km2
GDP (PPP) $1.62 Trillion
GDP per Capita $41,037
Description
Australia is the world’s smallest continent and second least populated. The term Oceania is also used to describe this region in order to differentiate it from the country of Australia. However, Oceania is not a continent but is instead a continental grouping. The term Australasia is also sometimes use to refer to this region. Countries included in the Australian continent include Australia, Papua New Guinea, and portions of Indonesia.
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Antarctica

Sovereign Countries N/A
Area (km2) 14,200,000 km2
Area (mi2) 5,500,000 mi2
Population 1,000
Population Density 0 km2
GDP (PPP) N/A
GDP per Capita N/A
Description
Located at the South Pole, Antarctica has no permanent population and no countries. It is reserved for use as a scientific base. Antarctica is the fifth largest continent by land area, and the least populated continent. Antarctica is an island, and is completely surrounded by the Southern Ocean.
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Other Continental Divisions

Four Continents

Continents
Afro-Eurasia / Old World
America / New World
Australia / Oceania
Antarctica
More Information

The four continent model promotes the idea that all continents are landmasses divided by ocean. As Europe and Asia inhabit the landmass, and Africa and Asia are connected by the Isthmus of Suez, they are considered to compose one continent called “Afro-Eurasia.” In this model, North America and South America are thought of as one continent connected by the Isthmus of Panama.

Five Continents

Continents
Africa
Europe
Asia
America
Pacific
More Information

In the five continent model, North and South America are considered to be one continent called America. Antarctica is omitted due to its lack of permanent habitation. This model is used by the United Nations and found in the Olympic Charter.

Six Continents (Version 1)

Continents
Africa
Europe
Asia
America
Australia / Oceania
Antarctica
More Information

This model is most commonly taught in western Europe, including France and Spain. Here, North and South America are considered to be one single continent of America.

Six Continents (Version 2)

Continents
Africa
Eurasia
North America
South America
Australia / Oceania
Antarctica
More Information

This model is mostly taught in Eastern Europe and Japan. In this model, North and South America are differentiated by Europe and Asia are combined in one continent of Eurasia.

Seven Continents

Continents
Africa
Europe
Asia
North America
South America
Australia / Oceania
Antarctica
More Information

The seven continent model is the most popularly accepted model. It is most commonly taught in English-speaking countries, as well as in China, India, and Pakistan.