continents and oceans for 25 November 2025

Earth stands as the only known planet in the universe with a distinct combination of land and water. In the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, the supercontinent Pangea existed, surrounded by the ocean Panthalassa. Over time, Pangea began to break apart due to the movement of tectonic plates which led to the formation of the continents and made up about 29% of the Earth's surface. The vast oceans, which cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface, are the world's largest water bodies. This article will explore the facts about the 7 Continents and 5 Oceans that make up our planet.

7 Continents and 5 Oceans

The Earth consists of 7 Continents and 5 Oceans. The continents include Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. Meanwhile, the oceans cover the globe with the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern (also known as Antarctic), and Arctic. Each of these landmasses and bodies of water is crucial in influencing the planet's physical features, weather patterns, and ecological systems.

List of 7 Continents

According to the Continental Drift Theory, the movement of tectonic plates resulted in the formation of 7 Continents of the world from which Asia being the largest one, in term of area as well as population and Antarctica being the smallest one in terms of population and Oceania/ Australia being the smallest one in terms of area. Check out the List of 7 Continents in the table below and the fantastic facts of each continent further the table.

List of 7 Continents
Name of Continent	Area (Km²)	Population (2022)	Countries
Asia	44,579,000	4,723,918,410	48
Africa	30,370,000	1,408,085,198	54
Europe	10,180,000	748,593,065	44
North America	24,709,000	373,640,153	23
South America	17,840,000	438,234,538	12
Oceania/ Australia	8,486,460	43,826,590	14
Antarctica	14,200,000	1000-5000 (Seasonal)	0

Asia

Asia is the largest continent by both size and population, covering about 30% of the Earth's land area. It has 48 UN-recognized countries, though other territories and islands are included. Key nations like Russia, the largest by area, China, the most populous, and India, the largest democracy, are found here. Russia spans both Asia and Europe, forming the region known as Eurasia.

Also Read: Asian Countries

Asia
Area (sq km)	44,579,000
Population (approx.)	4.64 billion
Countries	49
Highest Point	Mount Everest (Nepal/China)
Longest River	Yangtze River (6,300 km)
Largest Lake	Caspian Sea
Largest City	Tokyo, Japan
Dominant Language(s)	Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic
Main Biomes	Taiga, Gobi Desert, Himalayas, Rainforests
Economic Activities	Agriculture, manufacturing, technology

Africa

Africa is the second-largest continent by both land area and population. It acquires approximately 20% of the Earth's total landmass, with most of its territory situated in the Eastern Hemisphere. The continent is home to 54 countries, the most of any in the world. The Sahara Desert is the world’s largest desert, and the Nile is the longest river. The continent also hosts some of the hottest regions, including Ethiopia. Due to its location along the Equator, Africa experiences direct sunlight year-round. The largest country in Africa by area is Algeria, while Nigeria holds the title for the most populous country. Seychelles is the smallest country on the continent.

Africa
Area (sq km)	30,370,000
Population (approx.)	1.34 billion
Countries	54
Highest Point	Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Longest River	Nile River (6,650 km)
Largest Lake	Lake Victoria
Largest City	Lagos, Nigeria
Dominant Language(s)	Arabic, French, English
Main Biomes	Sahara Desert, Congo Rainforest, Savannah
Economic Activities	Agriculture, mining, tourism, oil and gas

Europe

Europe is the third largest continent in terms of the population and sixth in terms of the land area. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Asia, and the Atlantic Ocean, with most of its land in the Eastern Hemisphere. Europe has no deserts. Historically, it was the centre of global power and the site of both world wars. Home to 44 countries, primarily Christian, it includes the smallest country, Vatican City. Major cities like London and Paris are renowned worldwide, and 27 nations form the European Union, using the common currency, the Euro.

Also Read: European Countries

Europe
Area (sq km)	10,180,000
Population (approx.)	747 million
Countries	50
Highest Point	Mount Elbrus (Russia)
Longest River	Volga River (3,690 km)
Largest Lake	Lake Ladoga
Largest City	Istanbul, Turkey
Dominant Language(s)	Russian, German, French
Main Biomes	Mediterranean Forests, Taiga, Grasslands
Economic Activities	Manufacturing, tourism, finance, agriculture

Northern America

North America is the third-largest continent by area and ranks fifth in terms of population among the continents. Located primarily in the western hemisphere, it spans across five distinct time zones. The continent is home to 23 countries, with the United States of America (USA) hosting the world's largest economy. One of its natural wonders, Lake Superior, borders both the USA and Canada, making it the largest of the Great Lakes.

Northern America
Area (sq km)	24,709,000
Population (approx.)	597 million
Countries	23
Highest Point	Denali/Mount McKinley (USA)
Longest River	Mississippi River (6,275 km)
Largest Lake	Lake Superior
Largest City	Mexico City, Mexico
Dominant Language(s)	English, Spanish, French
Main Biomes	Temperate Deciduous Forests, Prairie, Tundra
Economic Activities	Agriculture, manufacturing, technology

Southern America

South America holds the fourth position in both size and population among the continents worldwide. Situated in the western hemisphere, it is connected to North America by the narrow Isthmus of Panama. The continent is home to two of the world's tallest volcanoes, Mount Chimborazo and Mount Cotopaxi. Brazil, the largest country in South America by land area, is renowned for its coffee production, leading the globe as the top coffee exporter. In addition to its 12 countries, South America is known for its diverse wildlife, including the massive Anaconda, the world's largest snake species.

Southern America
Area	Approximately 17,840,000 square kilometers
Population	Around 430 million (as of 2022)
Countries	12 sovereign countries including Brazil, Argentina, Peru
Highest Point	Mount Aconcagua in Argentina (6,960 meters above sea level)
Longest River	Amazon River (Approximately 7,062 kilometers)
Largest City	São Paulo, Brazil (Population over 12 million)
Major Landmarks	Machu Picchu (Peru), Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Dominant Language	Spanish and Portuguese (with indigenous languages)
Main Biomes	Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, Atacama Desert
Economic Activities	Agriculture, mining, tourism, oil and gas

Australia/ Oceania

Australia is ranked at the sixth position in terms or land area as well as in terms of population, Located primarily in the Eastern Hemisphere, Oceania is often referred to as the "Island Continent" due to many islands, with the Great Barrier Reef being a prominent feature as the largest coral reef system on Earth. According to United Nations data, Oceania is home to approximately 14 sovereign nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Australia, the largest country in Oceania, is also the world's sixth-largest country by land area. Due to its position in the Southern Hemisphere, Oceania is sometimes called the "Land Down Under."

Australia/ Oceania
Area	Approximately 8.6 million square kilometers
Population	Around 40 million
Countries	Consists of a single country: Australia
Highest Point	Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters)
Longest River	Murray-Darling River (2,508 kilometers)
Largest Lake	Lake Eyre (when filled, covering 9,500 square kilometers)
Largest City	Sydney, Australia
Dominant Language(s)	English
Main Biomes	Outback, Rainforests, Great Barrier Reef
Economic Activities	Mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing

Antarctica

Antarctica, the fifth-largest continent, is the smallest in population and is located at the Earth's southernmost point, housing the South Pole. It is larger than Oceania and is primarily covered by polar deserts. The continent contains 75% of the world’s freshwater in glaciers. The Antarctic Treaty 1959, signed by 52 nations, ensures peaceful management by banning activities such as nuclear waste disposal, nuclear testing, and mining. These regulations help preserve its unique and delicate environment, making it one of the most protected regions on Earth.

Antarctica
Area (sq km)	14,000,000
Population (approx.)	Minimal (Research)
Countries	None (Treaty System)
Highest Point	Vinson Massif (Antarctica)
Longest River	None (Glacial Ice)
Largest Lake	Lake Vostok
Largest City	McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Dominant Language(s)	Various
Main Biomes	Ice Sheets, Tundra, Mountains
Economic Activities	Research, exploration, fishing

List of 5 Oceans

The total area of 71% of the Earth is covered with water from which 96% is salty and not ideal for drinking. Originally, the Panthalassa covered much of the Earth’s surface. However, after the breakdown of Pangea, the landmasses were separated, causing the formation of this large water body. As of now, Earth is home to five major oceans. The Pacific Ocean holds the title as the largest and deepest of these, while the Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest. Below is a table having the names and key characteristics of the five oceans of the world, along with the fantastic facts about each of the oceans.

List of 5 Oceans
Names of Ocean	Area (Km²)	Share to Earth’s Water Surface Area (In %)
Pacific Ocean	165,200,000	>40%
Atlantic Ocean	106,400,000	>22%
Indian Ocean	73,556,000	20%
Antarctic/ Southern Ocean	20,327,000	15-16%
Arctic Ocean	13,986,000	3-4%

Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean holds the title of being the largest ocean on Earth, surpassing all others in size. Its vast expanse covers more surface area than all the landmasses combined. Stretching from the western shores of the Americas to the eastern coasts of Asia and Oceania, it is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Southern Ocean to the south. Interestingly, the Pacific is home to the Mariana Trench, which contains the deepest point on Earth, the Challenger Deep. The name "Pacific" was named upon this great body of water by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, reflecting its calm nature at the time of his discovery.

Pacific Ocean
Characteristic	Description
Area	Approximately 168 million square kilometers
Average Depth	Around 4,280 meters
Deepest Point	Mariana Trench (Challenger Deep), about 10,994 meters
Location	Bounded by Asia and Australia to the west, the Americas to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Southern Ocean to the south
Major Currents	North Pacific Gyre, South Pacific Gyre, Kuroshio Current, California Current, Humboldt Current, and the Equatorial Currents
Climate Influence	Significant impact on global climate patterns, including El Niño and La Niña phenomena
Marine Biodiversity	Home to a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, mammals, and numerous other species

Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean ranks as the second-largest ocean in the world. It spans the distance between the eastern coast of the Americas and the western coast of Europe and Africa. In addition to its main body, it encompasses significant bodies of water such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. Like the Pacific, the Atlantic also borders the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Known for its role in global trade, especially the spice trade, the Atlantic was a key route for early European explorers, such as Vasco da Gama, during the Age of Exploration.

Atlantic Ocean
Area	Approximately 85 million square kilometers
Average Depth	Around 3,646 meters
Deepest Point	Puerto Rico Trench (Milwaukee Deep), about 8,376 meters
Location	Bounded by the Americas to the west, Europe and Africa to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Southern Ocean to the south
Major Currents	Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Drift, Canary Current, Brazil Current, Benguela Current, and the South Equatorial Current
Climate Influence	Influences weather patterns, including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)
Marine Biodiversity	Home to diverse marine life including fish, whales, dolphins, and important breeding grounds for many species
Economic Importance	Crucial for international shipping routes, fishing industries, and natural resources such as oil and gas
Islands	Includes islands and archipelagos such as the Caribbean islands, the Azores, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and the British Isles

Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean occupies third place in terms of size among the world's oceans. It stretches between the eastern coastline of Africa, the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, and the western edges of Oceania. This ocean is also significant for including the Middle Eastern coastlines. Rich in biodiversity, it is home to unique species of plants and animals. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), India has the exclusive rights to explore the polymetallic nodules in its waters.

Indian Ocean
Characteristic	Description
Area	Approximately 70 million square kilometers
Average Depth	Around 3,741 meters
Deepest Point	Java Trench (Sunda Trench), about 7,258 meters
Location	Bounded by Africa to the west, Asia to the north, Australia to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south
Major Currents	Indian Monsoon Current, Agulhas Current, Somali Current, and the South Equatorial Current
Climate Influence	Influences the monsoon weather patterns, critical for agriculture in surrounding regions
Marine Biodiversity	Rich in marine life including coral reefs, diverse fish species, marine mammals, and unique ecosystems
Economic Importance	Key shipping routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia, with significant oil and gas resources and fisheries
Islands	Includes islands and archipelagos such as Madagascar, the Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Antarctic (Southern) Ocean

Known as the Southern Ocean or Antarctic Ocean, this body of water is the fourth largest, and also considered as the second smallest ocean. It surrounds Antarctica and stretches into the Southern Hemisphere, linking with the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. The Southern Ocean was officially recognized in the early 21st century by the International Hydrographic Organization. Characterised by its cold waters and strong easterly currents, it is often regarded as the most frigid of all the oceans.

Antarctic Ocean (Southern Ocean)
Area	Approximately 20 million square kilometers
Average Depth	Around 3,000 to 4,000 meters
Deepest Point	Unknown
Location	Surrounds Antarctica
Major Currents	Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Climate Influence	Plays a significant role in global climate regulation and oceanic circulation
Marine Biodiversity	Supports diverse marine life adapted to extreme cold, including fish, seals, and whales

Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world's five oceans. Located within the Arctic Circle, it borders the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, including regions like the Bay of Hudson. In the past, explorers have searched for a passage across this ocean to reach trade routes to Asia, seeking goods like spices, silk, and opium. 

Arctic Ocean
Area	Approximately 14 million square kilometers
Average Depth	Around 1,200 meters
Deepest Point	Fram Strait (around 5,450 meters)
Location	Centered around the North Pole
Major Currents	Transpolar Drift, Beaufort Gyre, East Greenland Current
Climate Influence	Plays a crucial role in regulating global climate, especially affecting polar regions
Marine Biodiversity	Supports unique marine life adapted to cold conditions, including polar bears and seals