North America
North America is the world’s third-largest continent by land area and fourth-largest by population, encompassing approximately 24.7 million square kilometers (9.5 million square miles). Located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely in the Western Hemisphere, it is home to 23 independent countries and numerous territories.
Featured
Life during the early settlement of New York City (the 1600s, then known as New Amsterdam) was a chaotic, muddy, and vibrant mix of a high-stakes business outpost and a wild frontier town.
New Amsterdam
New York City
Before European colonization, the area that is now New York City was inhabited by the Lenape and other Indigenous tribes. They lived in semi-nomadic communities, relying on fishing, hunting, and agriculture. The Lenape had established trade networks and maintained a rich cultural life long before European contact.
Economy and Culture
-
Economic Powerhouse: North America remains a dominant global economic force. The United States possesses the world's largest national economy, and together with Canada and Mexico, forms a massive trade bloc through the USMCA (formerly NAFTA).
-
Resources: The continent is rich in natural resources, including fertile soil, immense freshwater reserves (the Great Lakes), and significant deposits of oil, natural gas, and minerals.
-
Languages: While indigenous languages persist, the most widely spoken are English, Spanish, and French, reflecting its colonial history.
Major Economic Hubs
Major Cultural Cities
City
New York City is home to the world’s first underground park
Sylvester Kwabena Oduro
By
Demographics (2025 Estimates)
-
Population: As of late 2025, the total population is estimated at approximately 617 million people, accounting for about 7.5% of the world's population.
-
Major Nations: The three largest countries—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—make up the vast majority of the landmass and population.
-
Urban Centers: Highly urbanized, roughly 80% of North Americans live in cities. The largest metropolitan areas include Mexico City, New York City, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
Hidden Cities
Geography and Climate
-
Boundaries: North America is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and South America and the Caribbean Sea to the southeast.
-
Diverse Landscapes: Notable features include the Rocky Mountains in the west, the vast Great Plains in the center, and the ancient Canadian Shield in the northeast.
-
Climate Zones: The continent stretches across every climate zone, from the Arctic tundra of Greenland and northern Canada to the tropical rainforests of Central America and the Caribbean.
