The Earth has 149,440,850 square kilometers of emerged areas (which are not covered by water), which corresponds to about 29.1% of the planet’s total surface, the so-called continents.
What are “continents”?
The continents are the great extensions of land that shelter different forms of life, being surrounded and separated by the oceans.
Approximately 400 million years ago, the earths emerged from the planet were united in only one continent, called “Pangeia”. Due to the movement of plate tectonics, this single immense continent fragmented approximately 60 million years ago, giving rise to the current six continents.
Are we going to get to know each of these six continents better?
View Articles by Continent
Six Continents of the Earth
The six continents of the Earth are:
Asia – The largest continent on Earth and the one with the largest population on the planet. It has a total area of almost 45 million km² and it is estimated that the current population is 3.6 billion people. On the Asian continent we find the highest point in the world: Mount Everest, with 8,848 meters high. Among the countries that make up Asia, we can mention: most of Russia, Saudi Arabia, China and India.
List of countries in Asia:
America – With a total area of 42 million km², it is the second largest continent in the world. It is generally divided into North America, Central America and South America; or, still, in Anglo-Saxon America and Latin America. Among the countries that are part of America, we can mention: in North America, the United States; in Central America, Haiti and Cuba; in South America, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
List of countries in America, including North America and South America:
Africa – With a territorial extension of more than 30 billion km² and an estimated population of 1.2 billion inhabitants, Africa is one of the continents that have the largest number of ethnic groups on the planet. Among the 54 countries that make up the African continent, we can mention: South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique.
List of countries in Africa:
Antarctica – The fourth largest continent in the world, with a territorial area of approximately 14 million km², also being called “South Pole”. The area of this continent is divided between several countries in the world, which carry out scientific studies there. The Antarctic continent is formed not only by ice, but also by an extensive amount of land. The famous penguins live there.
Europe – With a territorial extension of just over 10 million km² and a population of approximately 800 million inhabitants, Europe is the second smallest continent in the world, being only bigger than Oceania. The European continent has exercised great influence throughout the world, expanding its economic, social, political and cultural values. Among the 49 countries that are part of Europe, we can mention England, Germany, Spain and Portugal.
List of countries in Europe:
Oceania – Smallest continent on the planet, Oceania is called “brand new world” by Europeans, as it was the last region to be colonized by them. It consists of 14 countries and 14 areas dominated by other countries, including islands and archipelagos. Among the countries that are part of Oceania, we can mention: Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti.
List of countries in Oceania:
Middle East
According to Countryaah, Middle East is not a continent, but a part of Asia. Three world religions originate in the Middle East.
Both Judaism and Christianity have their roots in Jerusalem, while the youngest world religion is Islam, originating from Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. In today’s Middle East, Islam has the most followers of the three religions. However, there is a Christian minority throughout the region, while Judaism is concentrated in Israel.
Area: 5,200,000 km²
Population: 232 million
Largest countries by population
- Iran – 82 million
- Iraq – 38 million
- Saudi Arabia – 28 million
- Yemen – 27 million
- Syria – 17 million
Geography of the Middle East
In the Middle East, there is a strong contrast between the relatively small cultivable areas and the vast desert areas. The population is then concentrated to places where there is water: coasts, river valleys and precipitous mountain slopes. The ecological conditions have given rise to three forms of life: agriculture, urban industries and nomadic livestock management, which, however, have been economically and culturally well integrated with each other.
The countries that belong to the Middle East are not clearly defined, but the term traditionally covers the southwestern part of the Asian continent and sometimes includes some North African countries. The Middle East is rather a political and cultural term, rather than a geographical one. Islam is the main religion in most countries and forms a unifying cultural entity throughout the region. Another common feature is the significant oil finds that have contributed to the sudden wealth of rain-poor desert states such as Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Peace and war in the Middle East
Since the Second World War, the Middle East has been mainly mentioned in the media for the region’s many wars and conflicts. The region is one of the world’s absolute focal points and several initiatives have been taken to create peace. Among other things, the “Roadmap for Peace” has been started as an attempt to bring rivals Israel and Palestine closer together. However, most peace-building initiatives have so far ended as yet another proof that it is infinitely difficult to create lasting peace between the region’s various countries and population groups.
Attractions in the Middle East
A trip to the Middle East involves sunsets in endless desert landscapes, beautiful beaches and biblical sites that touch. The metropolis of Dubai, the capital of one of the sheikhs in the United Arab Emirates, is packed with almost unreal construction projects. In just a few years, the city has been transformed from an almost insignificant trading station to an extravagant jetset city and one prestige building after another is now popping up between the shopping centers.
Israel is more ancient than today. The present can be found in Jerusalem’s new neighborhood and among the myriad of restaurants and nightclubs in Tel Aviv. In Iran, you can be overwhelmed by the magnificent ruins of the even more magnificent capital of ancient Persian Empire or by the abundance of beautiful blue mosaics in Isfahan. A long-kept secret, and that’s where the movie hero Indiana Jones found “the holy grail.” The city was built by the Nabataeans, an Arab people who became rich in caravan trading a few hundred years around the birth of Christ. But what happened to them then is a mystery. In the 500s, new caravan roads began to be used and the Nabateans made no more fuss in history. Petra was abandoned and fell into oblivion.
The 50 countries with the least arable land in the world
Rank | Country | Agricultural acreage (%) |
1 | Western Sahara (Africa) | 0.02 |
2 | Djibouti (Africa) | 0.04 |
3 | Iceland (Europe) | 0.07 |
4 | French Guiana (South America) | 0.17 |
5 | Mauritania (Africa) | 0.19 |
6 | Oman (Asia) | 0.26 |
7 | Suriname (South America) | 0.42 |
8 | New Caledonia (Australia-Oceania) | 0.51 |
9 | Botswana (Africa) | 0.66 |
10 | Mongolia (Asia) | 0.76 |
11 | Bahamas (North America) | 0.84 |
12 | Namibia (Africa) | 1.00 |
13 | Kuwait (Asia) | 1.08 |
14 | Libya (Africa) | 1.22 |
15 | Somalia (Africa) | 1.68 |
16 | Saudi Arabia (Asia) | 1.76 |
17 | Congo (Africa) | 1.78 |
18 | Gabon (Africa) | 1.84 |
19 | Papua New Guinea (Australia-Oceania) | 1.89 |
20 | Qatar (Asia) | 1.91 |
21 | Andorra (Europe) | 2.13 |
22 | Faroe Islands (Europe) | 2.14 |
23 | Turks and Caicos Islands (North America) | 2.33 |
24 | Guyana (South America) | 2.35 |
25 | Bhutan (Asia) | 2.64 |
26 | Solomon Islands (Australia-Oceania) | 2.66 |
27 | Norway (Europe) | 2.67 |
28 | Chad (Africa) | 2.82 |
29 | Peru (South America) | 2.83 |
30 | Angola (Africa) | 2.95 |
31 | Singapore (Asia) | 3.02 |
32 | Brunei Darussalam (Asia) | 3.04 |
33 | Chile (South America) | 3.04 |
34 | Bolivia (South America) | 3.08 |
35 | United Arab Emirates (Asia) | 3.14 |
36 | Yemen (Asia) | 3.19 |
37 | Central African Republic (Africa) | 3.26 |
38 | Democratic Republic of the Congo (Africa) | 3.28 |
39 | Colombia (South America) | 3.32 |
40 | Egypt (Africa) | 3.46 |
41 | Algeria (Africa) | 3.47 |
42 | Venezuela (South America) | 3.69 |
43 | Mali (Africa) | 3.77 |
44 | Cayman Islands (North America) | 3.85 |
45 | Laos (Asia) | 4.40 |
46 | Belize (North America) | 4.41 |
47 | Jordan (Asia) | 4.50 |
48 | Turkmenistan (Asia) | 4.74 |
49 | Eritrea (Africa) | 4.78 |
50 | Canada (North America) | 5.28 |
Area for agricultural production. |
Recent Posts
- Geography of Yuma County, Arizona April 20, 2024 - Yuma County, located in the southwestern corner of the state of Arizona, is a region known for its arid desert landscapes, abundant sunshine, and unique agricultural heritage. From its expansive sand dunes to its fertile… Continue Reading
- Geography of Lawrence County, Alabama April 12, 2024 - Geography of Lawrence County, Alabama Introduction Lawrence County, located in the northern part of Alabama, is a region distinguished by its rolling hills, fertile valleys, and abundant waterways. This area, rich in natural beauty and… Continue Reading
- Czech Republic as a Schengen Country April 4, 2024 - The Czech Republic, situated in the heart of Central Europe, is a proud member of the Schengen Area, a zone of border-free travel encompassing numerous European countries. As a Schengen country, the Czech Republic enjoys… Continue Reading
- Geography of Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi April 4, 2024 - Geography of Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi Jefferson Davis County, located in the southwestern part of Mississippi, is a region marked by its diverse geography, rich history, and rural charm. From the rolling hills and fertile… Continue Reading
- Geography of New Castle County, Delaware March 30, 2024 - Geography of New Castle County, Delaware New Castle County, located in the northern part of the state of Delaware, is a region characterized by its diverse geography, rich history, and vibrant communities. From its scenic… Continue Reading
- Cape Verde Travel Advice March 28, 2024 - Discovering Cape Verde: A Traveler's Handbook Tucked away in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is a captivating archipelago comprising ten volcanic islands. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and… Continue Reading
- Temples in Afghanistan March 26, 2024 - Afghanistan, often known for its Islamic heritage and ancient archaeological sites, also has a rich history of Hindu and Buddhist temples. These temples serve as testament to the diverse religious and cultural landscape of the… Continue Reading
- Rivers in Albania March 20, 2024 - Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Albania is a land of stunning natural beauty, characterized by rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and lush valleys. The country is also blessed with an extensive network of rivers,… Continue Reading
- Hong Kong Location on the Globe March 19, 2024 - Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis and a global financial hub located on the southeastern coast of China. Geographically, Hong Kong is situated on the eastern side of the Pearl River Estuary, bordering the South… Continue Reading
- Saudi Arabia as an Arab Country March 18, 2024 - Saudi Arabia: Embracing Arab Identity and Heritage Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, is a nation steeped in rich Arab culture, tradition, and history. As one of the leading Arab countries,… Continue Reading