North america

North America is a continent located in the northern and western hemispheres of the Earth. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and South America and the Caribbean Sea to the south.

Geography

North America covers an area of about 24.71 million square kilometers, making it the third-largest continent after Asia and Africa. It includes 23 independent countries, the largest of which by land area is Canada, and by population is the United States. Other notable countries include Mexico, Greenland (a territory of Denmark), and the island nations of the Caribbean.

The continent is known for its diverse ecosystems, from the arctic tundra of Northern Canada and Greenland, to the tropical rainforests of Central America and the Caribbean. It is also home to several major biomes, including the Great Plains grasslands, the Rocky Mountains, the Mississippi River basin, and the Great Lakes.

History

The history of North America is marked by the cultures of the indigenous peoples who inhabited the continent for thousands of years before European exploration. These include the Inuit in the far north, the Native American tribes of the United States, and the Maya and Aztec civilizations in Mexico and Central America.

European exploration began in the late 15th century with the voyages of Christopher Columbus, and was followed by the colonization efforts of several European powers, including Spain, France, and England. The continent was the site of significant events in world history, including the American Revolution, the American Civil War, and the Canadian Confederation.

Economy

North America has a highly developed economy, with the United States being the world's largest economy as of 2021. Major industries include manufacturing, technology, finance, healthcare, and agriculture. The continent is also rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, coal, gold, and timber.

Culture

The culture of North America is diverse, reflecting the influence of indigenous cultures, European colonization, and waves of immigration from around the world. English, Spanish, and French are the most widely spoken languages.

See also

• History of North America
• Geography of North America
• Economy of North America
• Culture of North America

This North America related article is a stub.