Tropen

The tropics, or Tropen in Dutch, refer to the region of Earth surrounding the equator, approximately between the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5°N and the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5°S. This band is defined by the sun’s apparent path, where the sun can be directly overhead at least once a year.

The climate is typically warm year-round, with limited seasonal variation in average temperature. Rainfall types vary: tropical rainforest climates with high, year-round precipitation; tropical monsoon climates with a pronounced wet season; and tropical savanna climates with a distinct wet and dry season. Near the equator, conditions are very humid and rainfall is frequent; farther from the equator, rainfall becomes more seasonal. These patterns produce a range of ecosystems from dense forests to open grasslands.

Biodiversity is exceptionally high in tropical regions, hosting many of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems, such as rainforests and coral reefs. These environments support large numbers of plant and animal species and provide important services, including carbon storage, water regulation, pollination, and resources for local communities.

Human activity interacts with tropical environments in complex ways. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization threaten habitats in regions such as the Amazon Basin, the Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. Climate change is altering rainfall patterns and temperatures, affecting ecosystems and livelihoods. The tropics also support extensive agricultural production of commodities like tropical fruits, coffee, and cacao, linking regional ecosystems to global markets.