List of 7 Continents and 5 Oceans, Check Important Details

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

‹ ›

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.