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Introduction
The dictionary defines the Continent as continuous land expenses like Europe, Asia, North America and South America. In simpler words, it forms the main landmasses of the earth. This usually refers to seven continents like Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica. The mainland can be depicted from separation from islands and the peninsula. These large land masses have profound physical features such as forests, mountains, deserts, rivers, lakes and hence are collectively known as continents.
What are the continents?
Continents are large landmasses that are usually distinguished through water or cultural differences. It is recognized through conventions. There are no strict criteria for separating continents. Islands might be grouped to form different geopolitical regions. Different continents are of varied sizes; hence Asia is five times bigger than the Australian Continent.
It cannot be said that each Continent is distributed with an equal landmass. The continents also differ, owing to their compactness. Thus, the African Continent comprises coastline regularity with the lowest ratio. The coastline of Europe is very irregular, with the highest ratio.
Earth’s surface of more than two-thirds is located on the north side of the equator. Except for the Antarctic region, all continents have a similar shape to the wedge. In the north, the continents are more comprehensive in shape than compared to the south.
How many continents are there in the world?
As mentioned, there are seven continents in the world described below.
Continents | Description | |
Asia | It comprises 50 countries. This Continent is very populous, accounting for 60% of the world population. Water bodies from all parts surround it. | Geographically Russia is located in the Asian Continent occupying 37% of the area. The Maldives is the smallest region. |
Africa | It is made in 54 countries. More than 25% of the African region is attributed to deserts. It has the hottest climate, hence comprises deserts. | The transcontinental country is Egypt, of which a minor part is in Asia. Algeria occupies 7% of the land, while the smallest region is Seychelles. |
South America | South America includes 12 countries. It is home to the world’s prime forest named Amazon. The forest covers more than 30% of the total area. | Brazil occupies more than 50% of the land area. An Independent state named Suriname is the smallest. |
Antarctica | Antarctica has the coldest climate. The central part is covered with hard snow or ice. This Continent is only habitable to a scientist who conducts studies. | No countries |
North America | North America includes 23 countries. The United States of America is the largest in a global context. | The United States of America and Canada are the most prominent countries, occupying 79% of the land. |
Australia | The Australian Continent is the least populated, with only 0.2% with permanent residents. After the Antarctic region, the second Continent with a relatively low population. It comprises 14 countries. | Australia is a sovereign state that occupies 86% of the land area. The smallest independent Continent is Nauru. |
Europe | The European Continent is economically developed. It is home to approximately 51 countries. Also, the European Union forms the most vital political union in the world. The countries like Russia, Georgia are considered transcontinental as they are situated between Asia and Europe. Also, Cyprus and Armenia are geographically located in western Asia, although politically, it is part of European regions. | The largest country by landmass is Russia, while the smallest is Vatican cities. |
Extreme points
The highest and lowest point of each Continent is discussed below.
Continents | Highest | Lowest |
Asia | In Asia, the highest point is Mt. Everest, located in Nepal | Dead Sea |
Africa | Located in Tanzania, Mt.Kilimanjaro | The lowest point in Africa continent Lake Assal |
Antarctica | Vinson Massif Ellsworth Mt. | Denman glacier |
Europe | Elbrus,located in Russia | Caspian Sea |
North America | Mt.McKinley ,Located in Alaska. | Death Valley (282 ft) |
South America | Mt. Aconcagua is located in Argentina | Valdes Peninsula (131 ft) |
Australia | The highest point is Kosciusko which is in Australia. | The lowest point is Lake Eyre, located in Australia. |
Conclusion
There are seven continents in the world, namely Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica. Each Continent has its highest and lowest points. Asia is the largest Continent with more than 50 countries in the world. Continents are usually separated either because of culture or water.
