Continents of the World
Have you ever wondered why schoolchildren learn seven continents, yet geologists sometimes refer to six? In the study of the Continents of the World, definitions hinge on geography, plate tectonics, and cultural conventions. While most English-speaking curricula list Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia as seven distinct landmasses, some experts unite Europe and Asia into Eurasia under a single tectonic plate.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how continents are defined, compare the 7-continent model with alternative frameworks (like the 6-continent and Eurasia-only schemes), explore the geological versus cultural criteria that drive these classifications, and consult the latest figures on each continent’s area and population (as of April 2025). Whether you’re a student preparing for your next geography quiz or an educator seeking authoritative resources, our step-by-step breakdown will clarify why continents can be more than mere lines on a map—and how these models shape our understanding of the world’s landmasses. We also dive into why these models differ, from ancient mapping traditions to modern tectonic research, ensuring you grasp both the science and history behind how we carve up Earth’s surface.
Earth’s seven continents are Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
How many continents are there?
It is customary in different traditions and other countries’ educational systems to consider a different number of continents. There is no consensus, so numbers can sometimes be confusing. When some sources talk about the mainland, and others about part of the world, then everyone also blames these concepts. For example, sometimes North and South America are considered the single continent of America since they are not separated by water (the artificial Panama Canal does not count). This interpretation is popular in Spanish-speaking countries.
There are also opinions that Europe, Asia, and Africa are one continent – Afro-Eurasia – because they form an undivided landmass. And you have certainly heard that Europe and Asia, which have an extremely implicit distinction, are often called Eurasia.
The versions range anywhere from 4 to 7 continents.
What Defines a Continent?
Continents can be defined by several overlapping criteria:
-
Geographic
Large, continuous land areas separated by oceans or significant geographical features. -
Geological
Regions underpinned by continental crust, thicker and less dense than oceanic crust—formed and maintained by tectonic processes. -
Cultural/Political
Historical conventions, educational curricula, and statistical groupings (e.g., the UN’s regions) influence how societies teach and use continent boundaries.
7 Continents with facts
Asia (43,820,000 sq km) includes 50 countries and is the most populated continent, with 60% of the world’s population.
Africa (30,370,000 sq km) includes 54 countries. It is the hottest continent, and the world’s largest desert Sahara, is located here and occupies 25% of the total area of Africa.
North America (24,490,000 sq km) includes 23 countries, of which the US is the largest and has the largest economy.
South America (17,840,000 sq km) includes 12 countries. It is home to the largest forest, the Amazon jungle, which covers 30% of the total area of South America.
Antarctica (13,720,000 sq km) is the coldest continent in the world and is completely covered with ice. There are only a few permanent residents here except scientists, and research stations are also maintained.
Europe (10,180,000 sq km) includes 51 countries. It is the most developed economic continent with the largest European Union and the world’s largest financial and political union.
Australia and Oceania (9,008,500 sq km) include 14 countries. It is the least populated continent after Antarctica; only 0.3% of the Earth’s population lives here.
Continents by Area
| Continent | Area, km 2 | % of all land on Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 43.4 million | 29.14% |
| Africa | 30.3 million | 20.34% |
| North America | 24.71 million | 16.59% |
| South America | 17.84 million | 11.98% |
| Antarctica | 14.1 million | 9.47% |
| Europe | 10 million | 6.71% |
| Australia | 7.66 million | 5.14% |
| Total: 148.94 million | ||
Continents by Population
| Continent | Population | % of the total population of the Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 4366 million | 59.54% |
| Africa | 1200 million | 16.37% |
| Europe | 742 million | 10.12% |
| North America | 566 million | 7.72% |
| South America | 418 million | 5.71% |
| Australia | 23 million | 0.31% |
| Antarctica | - | - |
| Total: 7334 million | ||
6 Continents
The six-continent model divides the world into six distinct regions. There are two variations of the six-continent model:
The first six-continent model groups North America and South America into a single continent called “America” or “Americas” and is used mainly in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Greece, and Latin America.
The second six-continent model combines Europe and Asia into the single continent of Eurasia. They are used primarily in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Japan.
5 Continents
This model is based on the six-continent models but only looks at Africa, Eurasia, America, Oceania and Antarctica.
There is another alternative model adopted by the Olympic Charter, among others. Antarctica is uninhabited and, therefore, not on the list: Africa, Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania.
4 Continents
On this ideology, We should consider “continents” only what is naturally separated by water, excluding the separations resulting from the artificially made Panama Canal and Suez Canal.
Under this ideology, the four continents of the world are Afro-Eurasia (or Eurafrasia), America, Australia, and Antarctica.
An alternative four-continent model of the 20th century included Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.
Why Models Differ
-
Tectonic Boundaries vs. Historical Conventions
Geologists define continents by crustal differences and plate boundaries, while educators often follow Greek-derived conventions that separate Europe for cultural reasons. -
Educational Variations
School systems worldwide teach models that reflect regional histories and pedagogical priorities—hence six-continent models in some European and Latin American curricula. -
Statistical Convenience
Organizations like the UN use their geoscheme (six regions) purely for data analysis, not to assert geopolitical or cultural affiliations.
FAQ
How many continents are there according to geologists?
Geologists often recognize six, grouping Europe and Asia as Eurasia based on the continental crust.
What criteria define a continent?
A combination of geographic (landmass), geological (crust type), and cultural (historical/educational) factors.
Why do some models list only six continents?
Because they combine Europe and Asia (Eurasia) or North and South America for geological or pedagogical reasons.
Is there an eighth continent?
Some geologists propose Zealandia—a mostly submerged landmass beneath New Zealand—as an eighth continent
What Did We Learn Today?
-
Continents Aren’t Set in Stone: Definitions blend geography, geology, and culture, so the count can be six, seven, or even more when you look beneath the waves.
-
Seven Is the Classroom Standard: Most U.S. curricula teach Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia—but the story doesn’t end there.
-
Eurasia and America Models Reveal the Fluidity: Merging Europe + Asia or North + South America shows how tectonic plates and historical conventions reshape our mental maps.
-
Data Anchors Our Understanding: From Asia’s 4.7 billion people to Australia’s 28 million, up-to-date figures ground abstract concepts in real-world scale.
-
Beyond Borders: Emerging ideas like Zealandia remind us that geography is a living science—continents evolve as our tools and definitions sharpen.
With these insights, you now see continents not as fixed tiles but as dynamic chapters in Earth’s story—where science, history, and culture intersect on every shore.