North America is a continent located entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth’s land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. With an estimated population of over 579 million people as of 2020, it is the third-most populous continent after Asia and Africa, and the fourth-most populous continent when the contiguous landmasses of Europe and Asia are considered together.
North America’s only land connection to South America is at the narrow Isthmus of Panama. According to one commonly used definition, North America extends from the Arctic Ocean to the isthmus of Panama, and includes Greenland, the island of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and several smaller island nations in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. With an area of 21,346,000 square kilometers (8,262,000 square miles), North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe.
North America was reached by its first human populations during the last glacial period, via crossing the Bering land bridge approximately 40,000 to 17,000 years ago. The so-called Paleo-Indian period is taken to have lasted until about 10,000 years ago (the beginning of the Archaic or Meso-Indian period). The classic stage spans roughly the 6th to 13th centuries. The first recorded Europeans to visit North America—the Norse—arrived in Newfoundland, likely via Greenland, around 1000 CE. Europeans began to arrive in the 16th century, with the settling of Norse colonies at L’Anse aux Meadows and the arrival of Spanish explorers in the Caribbean.
Numerous disputes between Great Britain and the colonies following the French and Indian War led to the American Revolution, which began in 1775, and the subsequent Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Thirteen Colonies, which had declared their independence, were recognized as a new nation, the United States of America, by the Treaty of Paris in 1783. In the 19th century, Westward Expansion under the concept of Manifest Destiny led to the formation of additional states and territories. On July 1, 1867, three colonies joined to form the independent Dominion of Canada. This began an accretion of provinces and territories to the new self-governing Dominion. In 1903, the United States started building the Panama Canal, which was completed in 1914, enhancing its economic and military influence over the Caribbean and Latin America.
The continent’s cultural and ethnic outlook has its origin with the interaction of Indigenous peoples with European colonists. Most of the continent’s native population died as a result of diseases such as smallpox, measles, and cholera, which were inadvertently brought by European settlers. For example, Native Americans in the present-day United States suffered from a population decline of more than 80% in the first centuries after the arrival of Europeans. The Spanish and Portuguese brought European contributions to the New World, such as Christianity, the Old World diseases, and the European agricultural methods and technology, which significantly altered the Native American way of life. Later, as the British and French empires colonized the region, they also brought their own languages, religions, and cultures, shaping the development of North America in profound ways.
In the 20th century, North America saw the rise of the United States and Canada as global economic powers. The United States, in particular, emerged as a superpower after World War II. The continent played a significant role in the Cold War, as the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in ideological, political, and economic struggles for influence over various countries in the Americas. This period also saw significant social and cultural movements, including the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the Quiet Revolution in Canada.
Today, North America is home to a diverse array of cultures, languages, and economies. The United States boasts the world’s largest economy, while Canada has one of the highest standards of living globally. Mexico, the third-largest country in North America by population, has a rapidly growing economy and is an emerging global power in its own right. Other countries and territories in North America, such as Guatemala, Cuba, and Haiti, face significant social, economic, and political challenges but also possess rich cultural heritage and potential for development.
Geographically, North America encompasses a wide range of environments, from the Arctic tundra of Canada and Alaska to the tropical rainforests of Central America. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and the Rocky Mountains. The continent’s natural resources, including oil, natural gas, minerals, and timber, have played a crucial role in its economic development and continue to be a source of wealth and contention.
In terms of governance, North America is divided into numerous sovereign states, territories, and dependencies, each with its own political system and cultural identity. The United States operates as a federal republic, with power divided between the federal government and individual states. Canada is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, with a federal system similar to that of the United States. Mexico is a federal republic with a president as the head of state and government. Additionally, there are numerous island nations and territories in the Caribbean and the Pacific that are closely associated with North America politically, culturally, and economically.
Overall, North America is a continent of great diversity and significance, both historically and in the present day. Its complex tapestry of cultures, languages, and landscapes continues to shape global affairs and inspire awe and admiration among people around the world. From its ancient Indigenous civilizations to its modern metropolises, North America remains a land of opportunity, innovation, and enduring natural beauty.
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North America, the third-largest continent on Earth, encompasses a vast and varied landscape, stretching from the Arctic Circle in the north to the tropical regions of the Caribbean Sea in the south. Its geographical features include rugged mountain ranges, expansive plains, dense forests, and extensive coastlines along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans.
One of North America’s most prominent features is the Rocky Mountains, which extend over 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) from Canada through the United States to Mexico. This mountain range not only provides breathtaking scenery but also serves as a crucial watershed, supplying water to much of the continent. Another notable mountain range is the Appalachian Mountains, running parallel to the East Coast of the United States and Canada, known for their rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
North America is also home to vast plains and prairies, such as the Great Plains in the central United States and Canada, which are renowned for their fertile soils and agricultural productivity. These plains have historically supported large populations of bison and other wildlife and have played a significant role in the development of agriculture in North America.
The continent’s northern regions are characterized by Arctic tundra, where extreme cold and permafrost dominate the landscape. This harsh environment is home to unique flora and fauna adapted to survive in frigid temperatures, including polar bears, caribou, and Arctic foxes. The Arctic region is also experiencing rapid environmental changes due to climate change, with implications for indigenous communities and global climate systems.
In contrast, the southern regions of North America are characterized by tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean. These areas are known for their lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems teeming with life. However, they also face significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, habitat loss, and the impacts of hurricanes and other extreme weather events.
North America’s coastline is extensive and varied, featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and intricate coastal ecosystems. The continent is dotted with numerous islands, including the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, the Caribbean Islands, and the Pacific Islands, each with its own unique culture and natural beauty.
The continent’s rich natural resources have played a crucial role in its economic development and global significance. North America is home to abundant reserves of oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals, which have fueled industrialization and economic growth. The United States, in particular, is a leading producer of oil and natural gas, thanks to vast reserves in states such as Texas, Alaska, and North Dakota.
In addition to its natural wealth, North America is a hub of technological innovation, scientific research, and cultural exchange. The United States and Canada are global leaders in technology, with Silicon Valley in California and the “Silicon Wadi” in Canada’s Waterloo region serving as centers of innovation and entrepreneurship. Major research institutions and universities across the continent contribute to advancements in fields such as medicine, engineering, and space exploration.
Culturally, North America is a melting pot of indigenous traditions, immigrant influences, and contemporary trends. Indigenous peoples have inhabited the continent for thousands of years, with diverse cultures, languages, and belief systems. European colonization beginning in the 15th century brought new languages, religions, and cultural practices to North America, shaping its history and identity. Today, North America is home to vibrant multicultural communities, with people from all over the world contributing to its rich tapestry of traditions and lifestyles.
Politically, North America is divided into sovereign states, territories, and dependencies, each with its own system of government and political institutions. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are the largest and most influential countries on the continent, with significant economic, political, and military power. Other territories and island nations in the Caribbean and the Pacific have varying degrees of autonomy and political affiliation, reflecting a complex geopolitical landscape.
Overall, North America is a continent of immense diversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. From the icy wilderness of the Arctic to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean, it offers a wealth of experiences and opportunities for exploration. Whether marveling at the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches of Mexico, or exploring the bustling streets of New York City, North America continues to captivate and inspire people from around the world.