The document provides information about the seven major continents of the world, including their sizes, populations, and number of countries. It describes the geographic features and locations of each continent. It also discusses some island groups, including the Caribbean islands and islands in the Pacific Ocean.

1. Chapter 3Chapter 3
Continents, Countries and CapitalsContinents, Countries and Capitals
ObjectiveObjective: understanding the major landmasses of the world,: understanding the major landmasses of the world,
and gaining general insight about the countries in the worldand gaining general insight about the countries in the world

2. ContinentsContinents
 The major landmasses of the world are;The major landmasses of the world are;
 EuropeEurope
 AsiaAsia
 AfricaAfrica
 North AmericaNorth America
 South AmericaSouth America
 AntarcticaAntarctica
 Australia/OceaniaAustralia/Oceania
http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/world.htmhttp://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/world.htm

4. Continents by SizeContinents by Size
#1#1 AsiaAsia - (44,579,000 sq km)- (44,579,000 sq km)
#2#2 AfricaAfrica - (30,065,000 sq km)- (30,065,000 sq km)
#3#3 North AmericaNorth America - (24,256,000 sq km)- (24,256,000 sq km)
#4#4 South AmericaSouth America - (17,819,000 sq km)- (17,819,000 sq km)
#5#5 AntarcticaAntarctica - (13,209,000 sq km)- (13,209,000 sq km)
#6 Europe - (9,938,000 sq km)#6 Europe - (9,938,000 sq km)
#7 Australia/Oceania - (7,687,000 sq km)#7 Australia/Oceania - (7,687,000 sq km)
http://www.graphicmaps.com/geoquiz/thelist.htmhttp://www.graphicmaps.com/geoquiz/thelist.htm

5. Continents by populationContinents by population
#1#1 AsiaAsia - (3,674,000,000)- (3,674,000,000)
#2#2 AfricaAfrica - (778,000,000)- (778,000,000)
#3#3 EuropeEurope - (732,000,000)- (732,000,000)
#4#4 North AmericaNorth America - (483,000,000)- (483,000,000)
#5#5 South AmericaSouth America - (342,000,000)- (342,000,000)
#6#6 Australia/OceaniaAustralia/Oceania - (31,000,000)- (31,000,000)
#7#7 AntarcticaAntarctica - (0)- (0)

6. Continents by the number of countriesContinents by the number of countries
#1#1 AfricaAfrica - (53)- (53)
#3#3 EuropeEurope - (46)- (46)
#2#2 AsiaAsia - (44)- (44)
#4#4 North AmericaNorth America - (23)- (23)
#5#5 Australia/Australia/OceaniaOceania - (14)- (14)
#6#6 South AmericaSouth America - (12)- (12)

7. EuropeEurope
 The landmass that extends from the UralThe landmass that extends from the Ural
Mountains in Russia on the east and theMountains in Russia on the east and the
Bosporus Strait in Turkey to the Atlantic OceanBosporus Strait in Turkey to the Atlantic Ocean
on the west.on the west.
 Also includes the islands/nations of the UnitedAlso includes the islands/nations of the United
Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland and Malta.Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland and Malta.
httphttp://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/europe.htm://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/europe.htm

8. AsiaAsia
 The landmass that extends from the Bosporus Strait inThe landmass that extends from the Bosporus Strait in
Turkey on the west, the Ural Mountains in Russia onTurkey on the west, the Ural Mountains in Russia on
the north and the Suez Canal in Egypt on the south tothe north and the Suez Canal in Egypt on the south to
the Pacific Ocean on the east.the Pacific Ocean on the east.
 Also includes islands/nations of Cyprus, Sri Lanka, theAlso includes islands/nations of Cyprus, Sri Lanka, the
Maldives, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines.Maldives, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines.
 Since Europe and Asia are connected at the UralSince Europe and Asia are connected at the Ural
Mountains, the entire landmass is called Eurasia.Mountains, the entire landmass is called Eurasia.
http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/asia.htmhttp://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/asia.htm

9. AfricaAfrica
 The landmass bordered by the Atlantic OceanThe landmass bordered by the Atlantic Ocean
on the west, the Indian Ocean on the east, theon the west, the Indian Ocean on the east, the
Mediterranean Sea on the north and the Red SeaMediterranean Sea on the north and the Red Sea
and Suez Canal on the northeast.and Suez Canal on the northeast.
 Includes the islands/nations of the Seychelles,Includes the islands/nations of the Seychelles,
Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion, Sao Tome andComoros, Mauritius, Reunion, Sao Tome and
Principe, Madagascar, Cape Verde, and thePrincipe, Madagascar, Cape Verde, and the
Canary Islands.Canary Islands.
http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/africa.htmhttp://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/africa.htm

10. North AmericaNorth America
 The landmass bordered by the Atlantic OceanThe landmass bordered by the Atlantic Ocean
on the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west, theon the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west, the
Arctic Ocean on the north and the nation ofArctic Ocean on the north and the nation of
Colombia on the south.Colombia on the south.
 Includes Greenland, Bermuda, the Bahamas andIncludes Greenland, Bermuda, the Bahamas and
the islands of the Caribbean Sea.the islands of the Caribbean Sea.
http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/namerica.htmhttp://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/namerica.htm

11. South AmericaSouth America
 The landmass bordered by the Pacific Ocean onThe landmass bordered by the Pacific Ocean on
the west, the Atlantic Ocean on the east and thethe west, the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the
nation of Panama on the north.nation of Panama on the north.
 Includes the Galapagos Islands and the FalklandIncludes the Galapagos Islands and the Falkland
Islands.Islands.
http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/samerica.htmhttp://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/samerica.htm

12. AntarcticaAntarctica
 The landmass on the very southeast, bordered by theThe landmass on the very southeast, bordered by the
Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
 The world's coldest and most inaccessible regionThe world's coldest and most inaccessible region
 LLargely covered by floating pack iceargely covered by floating pack ice
 The Antarctic is much colder than the ArcticThe Antarctic is much colder than the Arctic,, onlyonly
inhabitants are visiting scientists.inhabitants are visiting scientists.
 Various nations claim different parts of the AntarcticVarious nations claim different parts of the Antarctic
mainland. In 1959, twelve nations signed the Antarcticmainland. In 1959, twelve nations signed the Antarctic
Treaty and agreed that Antarctica should be used forTreaty and agreed that Antarctica should be used for
peaceful purposes only.peaceful purposes only.

13. AustraliaAustralia
 The landmass bordered by the Indian Ocean onThe landmass bordered by the Indian Ocean on
the west, south and northwest; the Timor Sea,the west, south and northwest; the Timor Sea,
the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria onthe Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria on
the north; the Coral Sea on the east andthe north; the Coral Sea on the east and
northeast; and the Tasman Sea on the southeast.northeast; and the Tasman Sea on the southeast.
http://www.atlapedia.com/online/maps/physical/Australia.htmhttp://www.atlapedia.com/online/maps/physical/Australia.htm
http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/oceania.htmhttp://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/oceania.htm

14. Oceans of the WorldOceans of the World
 Oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface.Oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface.
 They affect the weather and temperature by absorbingThey affect the weather and temperature by absorbing
the heat (solar radiation) coming from the sun.the heat (solar radiation) coming from the sun.
 All oceans on earth are connected to each other.All oceans on earth are connected to each other.
 There are four oceans: theThere are four oceans: the PacificPacific (the biggest and the(the biggest and the
deepest),deepest), AtlanticAtlantic,, IndianIndian andand ArcticArctic (the smallest). In(the smallest). In
2000, another is labeled as the2000, another is labeled as the Southern OceanSouthern Ocean
(surrounds Antarctica, really the southern portion of(surrounds Antarctica, really the southern portion of
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans).the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans).
http://http://www.enchantedlearning.comwww.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/ocean//subjects/ocean/

15. Island GroupsIsland Groups
 Islands are generally associated with the nearestIslands are generally associated with the nearest
continent to them, except the islands in the Pacificcontinent to them, except the islands in the Pacific
Ocean. The islands in the Pacific Ocean are collectivelyOcean. The islands in the Pacific Ocean are collectively
referred to as “Oceania” (the continent of Australia isreferred to as “Oceania” (the continent of Australia is
also included in Oceania).also included in Oceania).
 Islands especially in warm climates attracts travelers.Islands especially in warm climates attracts travelers.
Some are visited as part of a travel to a mainlandSome are visited as part of a travel to a mainland
country (such as the Greek islands when traveled tocountry (such as the Greek islands when traveled to
Greece), some are destinations themselves. The mostGreece), some are destinations themselves. The most
popular are in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.popular are in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

16. CaribbeanCaribbean
 Caribbean islands are the islands in the Caribbean Sea.Caribbean islands are the islands in the Caribbean Sea.
They do not include the Bahamas and Bermuda.They do not include the Bahamas and Bermuda.
 AntillesAntilles: another name for the Caribbean Islands.: another name for the Caribbean Islands.
 Great AntillesGreat Antilles: the largest ones including Cuba,: the largest ones including Cuba,
Hispaniola (countries of Haiti and the DominicanHispaniola (countries of Haiti and the Dominican
Republic), Jamaica and Puerto Rico.Republic), Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
 Lesser AntillesLesser Antilles: those Caribbean islands not among: those Caribbean islands not among
the Greater Antilles.the Greater Antilles.
http://www.unspoiledislands.com/sunscribers/maps/map.cfmhttp://www.unspoiledislands.com/sunscribers/maps/map.cfm

17. PacificPacific
 PolynesiaPolynesia: includes the islands within the triangle of: includes the islands within the triangle of
Hawaii, New Zealand and Eastern Island. It does notHawaii, New Zealand and Eastern Island. It does not
include Fiji, though it includes Tuvalu. The terminclude Fiji, though it includes Tuvalu. The term
“Polynesia” means many islands.“Polynesia” means many islands.
 MelanesiaMelanesia: the islands from New Guinea to Fiji and: the islands from New Guinea to Fiji and
New Caledonia.New Caledonia.
 MicronesiaMicronesia: the islands in the western Pacific,: the islands in the western Pacific,
including islands from Palau to Kiribati, the Marshallsincluding islands from Palau to Kiribati, the Marshalls
and Nauru. The term “Micronesia” means small islands.and Nauru. The term “Micronesia” means small islands.
httphttp://www.mapsouthpacific.com/pacific/index.html://www.mapsouthpacific.com/pacific/index.html

18. Major Mountain RangesMajor Mountain Ranges
 Rockies;Rockies; North American range running from AlaskaNorth American range running from Alaska
to Mexico. It covers the Sierra Nevada range betweento Mexico. It covers the Sierra Nevada range between
California and Nevada.California and Nevada.
 Sierra Madre (Occidental);Sierra Madre (Occidental); the continuation of thethe continuation of the
Rockies, runs through Mexico in the north-southRockies, runs through Mexico in the north-south
direction.direction.
 Andes;Andes; a South American mountain chain, running in aa South American mountain chain, running in a
north-south direction, primarily in Ecuador, Bolivia,north-south direction, primarily in Ecuador, Bolivia,
Peru, Chile and Argentina.Peru, Chile and Argentina.
http://http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/americas_phys.pdfwww.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/americas_phys.pdf

19.  Alps;Alps; a European mountain chain running in an east-a European mountain chain running in an east-
west direction, primarily in Germany, Austria,west direction, primarily in Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, France, Italy and Slovenia.Switzerland, France, Italy and Slovenia.
 Himalaya;Himalaya; An Asian mountain chain running in anAn Asian mountain chain running in an
east-west direction, primarily in China (Tibet), Bhutan,east-west direction, primarily in China (Tibet), Bhutan,
Nepal, India, and Pakistan.Nepal, India, and Pakistan.
http://http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/world_phys.pdfwww.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/world_phys.pdf
(also see the world map on page 5 of your course book)(also see the world map on page 5 of your course book)

20. Countries of the WorldCountries of the World
 According to UN, there are 191 countries in the worldAccording to UN, there are 191 countries in the world
(excluding the Vatican City).(excluding the Vatican City).
 There are 193 countries (including Taiwan and theThere are 193 countries (including Taiwan and the
Vatican City).Vatican City).
 Places commonly confused as being countries includePlaces commonly confused as being countries include
Puerto Rico,Puerto Rico, Bermuda,, andand Greenland.
httphttp://geography.about.com/library/weekly/aa091399.htm://geography.about.com/library/weekly/aa091399.htm
 The countries of the World and their CapitalsThe countries of the World and their Capitals
http://geography.about.com/library/misc/blnationalcapitals.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/misc/blnationalcapitals.htm

21. Countries in EuropeCountries in Europe
and their Capitalsand their Capitals
 IcelandIceland
 IrelandIreland
 United KingdomUnited Kingdom
 PortugalPortugal
 SpainSpain
 FranceFrance
 NorwayNorway
 SwedenSweden
 FinlandFinland
ReykjavikReykjavik
DublinDublin
LondonLondon
LisbonLisbon
MadridMadrid
ParisParis
OsloOslo
StockholmStockholm
HelsinkiHelsinki

22.  DenmarkDenmark
 NetherlandsNetherlands
 BelgiumBelgium
 LuxembourgLuxembourg
 GermanyGermany
 SwitzerlandSwitzerland
 LiechtensteinLiechtenstein
 ItalyItaly
 MonacoMonaco
 AustriaAustria
 Czech RepublicCzech Republic
CopenhagenCopenhagen
AmsterdamAmsterdam
BrusselsBrussels
LuxembourgLuxembourg
BerlinBerlin
BernBern
VaduzVaduz
RomeRome
Monte CarloMonte Carlo
ViennaVienna
PragPrag

23.  HungaryHungary
 PolandPoland
 SlovakiaSlovakia
 CroatiaCroatia
 Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina
 AlbaniaAlbania
 The Former YugoslavThe Former Yugoslav
Rep. of MacedoniaRep. of Macedonia
 EstoniaEstonia
 LatviaLatvia
 LithuaniaLithuania
BudapestBudapest
WarsawWarsaw
BratislavaBratislava
ZagrebZagreb
SarajevoSarajevo
TiranaTirana
SkopjeSkopje
TallinnTallinn
RigaRiga
VilniusVilnius

24.  BelarusBelarus
 UkraineUkraine
 RomaniaRomania
 BulgariaBulgaria
 GreeceGreece
 MoldovaMoldova
 MaltaMalta
 RussiaRussia
 SloveniaSlovenia
 Serbia and MontenegroSerbia and Montenegro
 AndorraAndorra
MinskMinsk
KievKiev
BucharestBucharest
SofiaSofia
AthensAthens
ChisinauChisinau
VallettaValletta
MoscowMoscow
LjubljanaLjubljana
BelgradeBelgrade
Andorra La VellaAndorra La Vella

25. http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/eur_country.pdfhttp://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/eur_country.pdf
Geography Game:Geography Game: httphttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/geospy://www.nationalgeographic.com/geospy//

26. Countries in AsiaCountries in Asia
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/asia_pacific.pdfhttp://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/asia_pacific.pdf

27. Countries in AfricaCountries in Africa
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/afr_asia_pol.pdfhttp://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/afr_asia_pol.pdf

28. Countries in North AmericaCountries in North America
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/n_america.pdfhttp://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/n_america.pdf

29. Countries in South AmericaCountries in South America
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/s_america.pdfhttp://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/s_america.pdf

30. Countries in OceaniaCountries in Oceania
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/se_asia_pac_pol.pdfhttp://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/se_asia_pac_pol.pdf