Americas

Landmass comprising North and South America

For other uses, see Americas (disambiguation).

Orthographic projection of the Americas

The Americas comprise the totality of the continents of North America and South America. Together, they make up most of the land in Earth's Western Hemisphere and comprise the New World.

Etymology and Naming

The name "Americas" is derived from the name of the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Vespucci was among the first European explorers to suggest that the lands discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 were part of a new continent, separate from Asia. The name "America" first appeared on a map in 1507.

Portrait of Amerigo Vespucci

Geography

The Americas are divided into two continents: North America and South America. These continents are connected by the narrow Isthmus of Panama.

North America

North America is the third largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and South America and the Caribbean Sea to the southeast.

South America

South America is the fourth largest continent by area. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the northwest, the Atlantic Ocean to the northeast and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Political map of North and South America

History

Pre-Columbian Era

The Americas were first populated by humans during the Paleolithic era, when people migrated from Asia across the Bering Land Bridge. These early inhabitants developed diverse cultures and civilizations, including the Inca Empire, Aztec Empire, and the Maya civilization.

Map showing the spread of Homo sapiens across the Americas

European Exploration and Colonization

The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas. This period saw the establishment of European colonies and the significant impact on indigenous populations.

Landing of Columbus

Independence Movements

The 18th and 19th centuries were marked by independence movements across the Americas, leading to the formation of new nations. The United States declared independence from Great Britain in 1776, followed by many Latin American countries in the early 19th century.

Map showing the independence movements in the Americas

Culture

The Americas are home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. The cultural landscape is shaped by the indigenous peoples, European colonizers, African slaves, and later immigrants from around the world.

Economy

The economies of the Americas are diverse, ranging from the highly developed and industrialized economy of the United States to the developing economies of many Latin American countries. The region is rich in natural resources, including oil, minerals, and agricultural products.

Environment

The Americas encompass a wide range of climates and ecosystems, from the Arctic tundra of northern Canada to the tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin. This diversity supports a vast array of plant and animal life.

View of Earth from space, showing the Americas

Related Pages

• North America
• South America
• History of the Americas
• Indigenous peoples of the Americas