The world continent map shows the distribution of the continental landmasses on the surface of the Earth. In terms of area, the continental landmasses are concentrated more in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere, as per the statistics of world continents and oceans.
In maps, Asia is by far the largest continent and being adjacent to Europe,
While each continent displays its unique physical and cultural characteristics, according to the continental drift theory, the continental plates are constantly shifting relative to each other. It is believed that about 200 million years ago, all of the continents were part of a singular landmass known as Pangaea which broke away due to continental drift and the plates gradually moved away from each other resulting in the emergence of the seven continents as we know them today. This drifting apart had also resulted in the expansion of the sea floor and the opening up of the ocean basins. It also led to the emergence of certain mountain ranges when two landmasses collided and pushed against each other.
Proponents of this theory have supported their hypotheses by geological evidences such as identical or similar fossil findings and ancient rocks, and the prevalence of similar flora and fauna in two continents located far away from each other. Looking at the world continents and oceans map, it cannot be denied, however, that each of the world continents is unique in terms of its peculiar physical and cultural diversity which deserves our attention. The world Map at Mapsofworld.com provides details on all continents on earth:
Asia: Asia is bounded to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the East by the Pacific Ocean, to the south by the Indian Ocean, and to the West by Europe and the Mediterranean. A continent of contrasts and extremes, the enormous diversity of Asia's physical and cultural landscape is unparalleled in the world. Although geographers have clubbed its constituent nations and regions as part of one large continent, Asia defies all notions of homogeneity. Asia includes some of the world's richest and developed economies like Japan and Korea but is also home to some of the world's poorest nations. Asia has the highest point on Earth, the Mount Everest in the Himalayas, as well as the lowest place on land, the Dead Sea. Asia also experiences the wildest extremes of weather and climate. While the continent boasts of the wettest place on Earth in the Indian state of Meghalaya, certain areas in the Arabian Desert may go without rainfall for years together. Asia also has the widest variety of plant and animal life; from tropical rainforests to desert scrubland; from the world's largest reptile, the Komodo Dragon of Indonesia, to the shy and elusive Snow Leopard in the high reaches of the Himalayas.
Europe: One of the world's smallest continents, Europe is bounded to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea, and to the east by the Ural Mountains which separate the continent from Asia and the greater part of the vast Eurasian landmass. Despite its internal diversities of culture, language, customs, etc., Europe has come to represent a unique civilization and ethical values which had a tremendous influence on the rest of the world at different epochs of history. Europe is a continent of great physical and cultural diversity and is bestowed with some of the world's most spectacular landscapes and places of scenic beauty. From the tiny hilltop villages of France to the bustling metropolises of London and Paris; from the ski slopes of the Austrian Alps to the sun-kissed beaches of Mediterranean Spain; from the fairy-tale castles of the Scottish Highlands to the Gondolas of Venetian canals; the breathtaking beauty of Europe is a feast for the eyes.
Australia: The world's smallest continent, Australia is also regarded by many as the youngest, since civilization started much later here but the history and culture of its original inhabitants, the Aborigines, goes back to more than 50,000 years. With the Pacific and Indian Oceans on either side, Australia's location in the Southern Hemisphere and relative isolation has rendered it with a unique variety of plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth. Although, a major portion of the continent's land area is covered by arid desert topography, Australia's natural sights are a big draw for the outside world. From the tropical rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef in the north to the vibrant coastal cities of Sydney and Melbourne in the south east; from the endless straight roads of the arid outback to the spectacular coastal scenery of the Great Ocean Road; from the lonely Ayers rock in the middle of nowhere to the crowded beaches of Bondi and Manly; Australia is a dream come true for many travelers and adventure-loving people.
Africa: The second largest of the world's continents, Africa is bounded to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, and to the south by the juncture between the Atlantic and the Indian oceans. Variously described by outsiders, as the Dark Continent' or the Cradle of Mankind', Africa is a continent immensely rich in mineral and natural resources that helped attract plunderers and explorers alike. Africa is also blessed with a rich variety of wildlife and biological resources, the preservation of which continues to be a challenge for conservationists from across the world. Africa is also home to some of the world's poorest people and many of its constituent countries are still undergoing the process of nation building to achieve integration with the rest of the world.
North America: The third largest of the world's continents, most areas of the North American landmass is occupied by two of the world's most developed nations, the United States of America and Canada. The third major country occupying this continent is Mexico. The continent of North America is bounded to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and on the south by the Caribbean Sea. It is connected to the continent of South America by the narrow Isthmus of Panama. Comprising of some of the world's oldest rocks North America is also very rich in mineral and other natural resources. National Parks in this continent contain some of the most spectacular and breath-taking sceneries in the world.
South America: Culturally sometimes referred to as Latin America, the continent of South America has the greatest north-south extension and apart from Antarctica, is the only continent with the farthest extension to the south. South America is bounded to the north by the Caribbean Sea, to the East by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the south by the icy continent of Antarctica. South America's high mountains and highland areas extend up to different elevation levels which together contribute to its variety of climate and natural regions ranging from the high Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforests; and the arid Patagonian and Atacama deserts to the sub-arctic climes of its southernmost areas.
Antarctica: In any world map, the southernmost and the most remote continent, Antarctica is permanently covered under ice. The difficulties of accessibility have, however, not discouraged several scientific expeditions and initiatives which are being currently undertaken by several nations to this part of the world. Many developed nations and even developing countries like India have set up scientific stations in Antarctica and many of them have made their own territorial claims on this vast icy continent.
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