northamerica

North America is a continent located primarily in the northern hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico to the south; the Isthmus of Panama links it to South America. The continent covers about 24.7 million square kilometers and has a population near 600 million. It comprises 23 sovereign states and numerous territories, including Greenland, which is geographically part of North America but politically associated with Denmark.

Geography and climate: The landscape ranges from Arctic regions in Canada and Greenland to tropical forests in Central America and the Caribbean. Major mountain systems include the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Madre, and the Appalachian Mountains. Significant rivers include the Mississippi–Missouri, St. Lawrence, Mackenzie, and Colorado. Climate varies from subarctic and arctic in the north to tropical and desert in the south.

Political and demography: The region contains 23 sovereign states, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico, along with many smaller nations in Central America and the Caribbean. Greenland is an autonomous territory within Denmark. The area includes numerous overseas territories of other states.

History: Indigenous peoples lived across the continent for thousands of years before European contact. Norse exploration reached Greenland and parts of North America. Beginning in the 15th century, European powers established colonies; most countries gained independence in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the modern era, North America has been a major center of commerce, governance, and culture.

Economy and environment: The United States and Canada have large economies, with Mexico also playing a major role. The region features diverse ecosystems, from boreal forests and temperate grasslands to deserts and tropical rainforests, but faces environmental challenges including climate change, deforestation, and habitat loss.