Overview
This lecture covers the seven continents of the world, highlighting their sizes, locations, notable features, and major attractions.
The Seven Continents
- Continents are large land masses on Earth; there are seven: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
- Arranged from largest to smallest: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia.
Asia
- Asia is the largest and most populated continent with over four billion people and 48 countries.
- Surrounded by the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans.
- Home to the Himalayas, the world’s highest mountains.
- India has 30 official languages; hundreds are spoken across Asia.
- Major attractions: Great Wall (China), Taj Mahal (India), Bali Island (Indonesia).
Africa
- Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent with 54 countries.
- Bordered by the Atlantic, Indian oceans, Mediterranean Sea, and Red Sea.
- Largest country: Algeria; Longest river: Nile; Largest hot desert: Sahara.
- Major attractions: Victoria Falls (Zambia), Mauritius.
North America
- Third largest continent with 23 countries, surrounded by Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans.
- Mexico has the largest population; United States is the wealthiest.
- Major attractions: Niagara Falls (Canada), Walt Disney World (United States).
South America
- Bordered by the Pacific (west) and Atlantic Oceans (east), consists of 12 countries.
- Features the Amazon River (largest by volume), Angel Falls (highest waterfall), Atacama Desert (driest place), Amazon Rainforest (largest).
Antarctica
- Covered in ice and surrounded by the Southern Ocean; windiest, driest, and least populated continent.
- No permanent residents; notable for emperor penguins.
Europe
- Third most populous continent with 50 countries; Russia is the largest, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world.
- Major attractions: Big Ben (England), Eiffel Tower (France).
Australia (Oceania)
- Smallest continent; main cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Canberra.
- Known for kangaroos and koalas.
- Major attractions: Sydney Opera House, Australian Alps.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Continent — a massive, continuous area of land on Earth.
- Population — total number of people living in a region.
- Desert — a dry, barren area of land with little rainfall.
- Rainforest — dense forest, typically found in tropical areas with high rainfall.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the names and characteristics of each continent.
- Memorize major attractions and key facts for each continent.