North American

Area	24,709,000 km²
Population	579,024,000
Countries	23
Languages	English, Spanish, French, and others

North America is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. 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), making it the third-largest continent by area. It is also the fourth most populous continent after Asia, Africa, and Europe, with a population of around 579 million people as of 2021.

Geography

North America's geography is highly varied. The continent is home to a range of geographic features, including mountain ranges such as the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, vast plains like the Great Plains, and extensive river systems such as the Mississippi River. The highest point is Mount McKinley (Denali) in Alaska, which rises to 6,190 meters (20,310 feet) above sea level, making it the tallest peak in North America.

Climate

The climate of North America varies significantly across different regions. The continent experiences a range of climate zones, from the arctic conditions of northern Canada and Alaska to the tropical climates of Central America and parts of the Caribbean. This diversity in climate affects the flora and fauna as well as the human activities across the continent.

History

The history of North America is rich and varied. Indigenous peoples, including the Inuit in the Arctic and the Aztecs and Maya in Central America, inhabited the continent for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The Vikings briefly established a settlement in present-day Newfoundland around 1000 AD. However, widespread European exploration began with the voyages of Christopher Columbus in 1492. The subsequent period of colonization led to the rise of colonial empires, most notably those of Spain, France, and Britain, and the eventual formation of independent countries.

Economy

North America is economically diverse, with the United States being the largest economy in the world. The continent is rich in natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, minerals, and timber. Major industries include technology, manufacturing, finance, and agriculture. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), has significantly influenced economic relations and trade among the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Demographics

The population of North America is ethnically diverse, resulting from centuries of immigration. English, Spanish, and French are the most widely spoken languages, reflecting the colonial history of the continent. The United States and Canada have high standards of living and well-developed infrastructure, while parts of Mexico and Central America face economic challenges.

Culture

North America has a vibrant cultural scene, reflecting its historical and ethnic diversity. The continent has made significant contributions to art, music, literature, and film. American and Canadian cinema, particularly Hollywood, has a global influence. Additionally, many North American cities are known for their museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues.