A continent is one of Earth’s seven large, continuous masses of land. Together the continents cover approx. 29% of the planet’s surface; the remaining 71% is ocean. Each continent has its own distinctive geography, climate, wildlife, languages, religions, and history, and on Factsmania we’ve built a complete A, Z fact file for every country on six of them.
How many continents are there?
The widely-taught model lists seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia (Oceania), Europe, North America, and South America. Some geographers count six (combining Europe and Asia into “Eurasia”), and some count five (also merging the Americas). On Factsmania we use the seven-continent model because it’s the one kids meet in school.
Why do continents matter?
Continents shape almost everything about life on Earth. They control where the oceans flow, which animals share a habitat, which crops grow well, and which languages and religions developed where. Studying continents is a great way for kids to make sense of the news, geography lessons, animal documentaries, and travel, every story starts with where in the world it happens.