Continents of the World

There are seven major continents. These are separated by large water bodies.

1. Asia
2. Europe
3. Africa
4. North America
5. South America
6. Australia
7. Antarctica

Asia

Asia is the largest continent. It covers about one-third of the total land area of the earth. The continent lies in the Eastern Hemisphere. The Tropic of Cancer passes through this continent. Asia is separated from Europe by the Ural mountains on the west. The combined landmass of Europe and Asia is called the Eurasia (Europe + Asia).

Europe

Europe is much smaller than Asia. The continent lies to the west of Asia. The Arctic Circle passes through it. It is bound by water bodies on three sides.

Africa

Africa is the second largest continent after Asia. The Equator latitude runs almost through the middle of the continent. A large part of Africa lies in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the only continent through which the Tropic of Cancer, the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn pass.

The Sahara Desert, the world’s largest hot desert, is located in Africa. The continent is bound on all sides by oceans and seas. the world’s longest river the Nile, flows through Africa.

North America

North America is the third largest continent of the world. It is linked to South America by a very narrow strip of land called the Isthmus of Panama. The continent lies completely in the Northern and Western Hemisphere. Three oceans surround this continent.

South America

South America lies mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. The Andes, world’s longest mountain range, runs through its length from north to south. South America has the world’s largest river, the Amazon.

Australia

Australia is the smallest continent that lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. It is surrounded on all sides by the oceans and seas. It is called an island continent.

Antarctica

Antarctica, completely in the Southern Hemisphere, is a huge continent. The South Pole lies almost at the centre of this continent. As it is located in the South Polar Region, it is permanently covered with thick ice sheets. There are no permanent human settlements.