NordAmerikas

Nordamerikas is the geographic region commonly referred to in English as North America. The term is used in varying ways: in many contexts it covers the continental landmass north of the Isthmus of Panama and may include Greenland, the Caribbean islands, and some Central American areas, depending on the field and tradition. In general, Nordamerikas comprises the mainland plus surrounding islands that lie within the North American geographic and ecological zone.

Geography and extent: Nordamerikas spans roughly 24.7 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest landmasses on Earth. Its climates range from Arctic in northern Greenland and Canada to tropical in parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Major physical features include the Canadian Shield, the Rocky and Appalachian mountain systems, the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, the Mississippi and Missouri river systems, vast deserts in the southwest United States and northern Mexico, and tropical rainforests in Central America and the Caribbean.

Population and political divisions: The region is home to about 600 million people. It includes three large economies—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—along with numerous nations in Central America and the Caribbean, many of which are sovereign states and territories. The area is connected by extensive trade and transport networks, with cross-border and regional cooperation playing a central role in economic policy.

History and culture: Nordamerikas was inhabited by diverse Indigenous peoples long before European contact. Following colonization, newly independent states emerged in the 18th to 19th centuries, leading to modern political and economic arrangements. Languages commonly spoken include English, Spanish, and French, with many Indigenous languages also in use.

Environment and challenges: The region faces challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource management, and migration. It remains a major hub for industry, technology, culture, and cross-border collaboration.