Continents of the earth
There
are seven major continents. These are separated by large water bodies. These
continent are – Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America,
Australia and Antarctica.
Asia
Asia
is the largest continent. It covers about one-third of the total land area of
the earth. The continent lies in the Eastern Hemisphere. The Tropic of
Cancer passes through this continent. Asia is separated from Europe by the
Ural mountain on the west. The combined landmass of Europe and Asia is called
the Eurasia.
Europe
Europe
is much smaller than Asia. The continent lies to the west of Asia. The Arctic
Circle passes through it. It is bounded by water bodies on three sides.
Africa
Africa
is the 2nd largest continent after Asia. The equator or 0˚ latitude
runs almost through the middle of the continent. A large part of Africa lies in
the Northern Hemisphere. The Sahara Desert, the world’s largest
hot desert, is located in Africa. The continent is bound on all sides by oceans
and seas. The world’s longest river the Nile, flows through
Africa.
North America
It
is the 3rd largest continent of the world. It is linked to South
America by a very narrow strip of land called the Isthmus of Panama. The
continent lies completely in the Northern and Western Hemisphere.
South America
South
America lies mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. The Andes, world’s longest
mountain range, runs through its length from north to south. South America has
the world’s largest river, the Amazon.
Australia
Australia
is the smallest continent that lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. It is
surrounded on all sides by the oceans and seas. It is called an island
continent.
Antarctica
It
is a huge continent and completely lies in the Southern Hemisphere. The south
pole lies almost at the centre of this continent. As it is located in the South
Polar Region, it is permanently covered with thick ice sheets. There are no
permanent human settlements. Many countries have research stations in
Antarctica. India also has research stations there. These are named as Maitri
and Dakshin Gangotri.