North America

North America

North America, the world’s third-largest continent, covers roughly 9,358,340 square miles (24,238,000 square kilometers), incorporating a diverse range of territories that extend from the Arctic reaches of Greenland to the sun-soaked beaches of the Caribbean islands. Situated entirely within the Northern Hemisphere, North America is bounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and South America and the Caribbean Sea to the south. Its positioning has endowed it with a wide array of climates, from the frigid tundra of northern Canada and Greenland to the subtropical wetlands of Florida and the tropical rainforest environments found in Central America’s isthmus and Caribbean archipelagos.

Geographically, the continent is defined by a host of striking landforms and natural wonders. The Rocky Mountains stretch from northern British Columbia to New Mexico, forming one of the continent’s principal mountain systems. In Canada and Alaska, the Pacific Coast Ranges and the Yukon River basin support rich ecosystems of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and salmon. Farther east, the Great Plains sweep across central North America, fostering vast agricultural lands that have long served as the breadbasket for both the United States and Canada. The continent’s Great Lakes, located between the United States and Canada, represent the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area, playing a crucial role in commerce, transportation, and regional ecology.

Google Maps of North America

Culturally and politically, North America comprises a complex tapestry of nations, ethnic groups, and languages. The United States and Canada, with their advanced economies and multicultural populations, have long drawn immigrants from around the world, fostering dynamic, cosmopolitan societies. Mexico, the continent’s southernmost major nation, is known for its pre-Columbian heritage, vibrant traditions, and evolving industrial sectors. Smaller nations across Central America and the Caribbean each maintain distinct cultural identities, shaped by indigenous influences, European colonial legacies, and modern global interactions.

Economically, North America is a powerhouse of global trade, finance, and innovation. The region is rich in natural resources—from petroleum reserves in Canada, Mexico, and the Gulf of Mexico to timber, minerals, and agricultural produce that fuel domestic industries and international exports. Major financial centers such as New York City and Toronto connect the continent’s economies to global markets. Tourism is equally significant, with millions of visitors each year drawn to destinations as varied as the Grand Canyon, the cosmopolitan cityscapes of New York and Los Angeles, the ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and the tropical shores of the Caribbean islands.

Overall, North America’s unique blend of natural grandeur, cultural diversity, and economic strength makes it a continent of global importance. Its landscapes have inspired generations of explorers, scientists, and conservationists, while its nations and cultures continue to shape global trends in politics, economics, and social development.

The Countries of North America

Related Entries

• Chestnut soils
• Continent
• Continentality
• Humboldt Current
• Multiple cropping