Facts about seven continents

1. Asia:
o Asia is the largest continent, it covers one-third of earth’s surface.

o Asia is not only the biggest continent by land mass, it also has the highest
population. Half of the world population lives here.

o The earth’s two most populous countries, China & India, are a part of this
continent.

o The Great Wall of China can also be found in Asia, it is over 5500 miles
long.

o The world’s highest mountains, the Himalayas are in Asia, as well as the
highest plateau, the Tibetan plateau.

o The Dead Sea is the world’s lowest point on earth.

o Asia is a home to animals like Asian elephants, tigers, and giant pandas.

2. Africa:

o Africa is the second largest continent after Asia.

o It has an area of 30.22 million km².

o It lies between the Atlantic and Indian oceans.

o To the north is Mediterranean sea and to the south is the southern ocean.

o The northern part is covered by the earth’s largest desert, the Sahara.

o To the east is the world’s longest river, the Nile.

o The equator passes through the middle of Africa so it receives direct sunlight
throughout the year.

o The World’s hottest place, Ethiopia, is a country in Africa.

o Africa has large animal parks like the Serengeti, Masai Mara and Krugar.

o The parks are home to wildlife such as lion, rhinos, zebra and elephants.

3. Australia:
o Australia is the largest island. It is known as “Island Continent”.
o Australia is the smallest continent in the world, covering only 3 million
square miles.
o Australia has only one country, which is Australia itself.
o Australia is bordered by Indian Ocean on the west and the Pacific Ocean on
the east.
o It has animals that are not found anywhere on earth like Kangaroo and
Koala.

4. Europe:
o Europe is named originally after ‘Europa’ who was a Phoenician Princess
from Greek Mythology, a Phoenician word for “sunset”.
o Europe is the second smallest continent with an area of 10.18 million km².
o Europe is the only continent that does not have any deserts.
o Europe’s east is Asia, west is Atlantic ocean, north is Antarctic ocean, and
the south is Mediterranean sea.
o The Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, is in Europe.
o Most of the countries of Europe use a single currency called the Euro.
o Germany is the most populous country in Europe, while London and Paris
are the most populous cities.
o One unusual festival in Europe is the Tomatina Festival, it is celebrated in
Spain to honor the tomato – participants of the festival have a HUGE food
fight and throw millions of tomatoes at each other.
5. North America:
o North America is the third largest continent with an area of 9.54 million
square miles.
o North America was named after the Italian explorer Americo Vespucci.
o In its east is Atlantic ocean, in west pacific ocean, in north is arctic ocean,
and in the south is south America.
o Greenland, the largest island is located in this continent.
o The famous mountain range of north America is Rocky Mountains,
o Most famous river of this continent is river Mississippi.
o North America is the only continent that has every kind of climate –
Tropical, Dry, Continental, Moderate, and Polar.
o Animals found in North America include moose, raccoon, and bears.

6. South America:
o South America is the fourth largest continent with an area of 17.84 million
km².
o The Andes Mountains in South America form the Second Highest Mountain
System.

o Mt. Aconcagua is the Highest Peak (7,021 m) of The Andes Mountain

system.

o The highest waterfall can be found in South America, Angel Falls.

o South America is home to the largest river by water volume, the Amazon
River.
o South America is also the home of anaconda, one of earth’s largest snakes.

o Both of the world’s highest volcanoes are found in South America – Mt.
Chimborazo and Mt.Cotopaxi.
o The world’s highest lake, Lake Titicaca, is located in South America. It can
be found at a height of over 3800 meters.
o The largest country is Brazil with a largest producer of coffee in the world.

o South Americans animals include the llamas, the capybara.

7. Antarctica:
o Antarctica is the fifth largest continent at South pole with an area of 14
million sq. km.
o The temperature on Antarctica can dip to below -112’ F (-80’ C), no one
lives here permanently.
o Total volume of ice sheet covering Antarctica is estimated about 90% of the
world’s ice.
o It is the windiest and coldest place on earth.
o Antarctica is home to animals such as penguins, seals, and sea birds.