How Many Continents Are There?
A continent can be defined as one of several major land masses on the earth. There is no standard definition for the number of continents but usually the numbers six or seven are used. By most accounts, there are a maximum of seven continents - Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Most students in the U.S. are taught that there are seven continents. The National Geographic Society recognizes seven.
In Europe, many students are taught about six continents - North and South America are combined to form a single America. Therefore, the six continents are Africa, America, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, and Europe. A couple of years ago, I got into a relatively heated discussion through email with a European who could not understand how North and South America could be considered two separate continents, but this person readily accepted the fact that Europe and Asia were two separate continents.
Many geographers and scientists now refer to six continents, where Europe and Asia are combined (since they're one solid landmass). Thus, these six continents are Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Eurasia, North America, and South America. I personally like this distinction - I could never understand how you could divide Europe and Asia in the middle of a landmass. It seems to be more of a political or cultural division rather than a geographic one.
I have even gone through a major discussion in college that it could be argued that there are only four continents. Since North and South America are naturally connected (prior to the Panama Canal), it could be considered as one continent (the double continent). Europe, Asia and Africa are naturally connected (prior to the Suez Canal), so it could be considered as one continent (the triple continent). Add Australia and Antarctica, and you have a total of four.
Most students in the U.S. are taught that there are seven continents. The National Geographic Society recognizes seven.
In Europe, many students are taught about six continents - North and South America are combined to form a single America. Therefore, the six continents are Africa, America, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, and Europe. A couple of years ago, I got into a relatively heated discussion through email with a European who could not understand how North and South America could be considered two separate continents, but this person readily accepted the fact that Europe and Asia were two separate continents.
Many geographers and scientists now refer to six continents, where Europe and Asia are combined (since they're one solid landmass). Thus, these six continents are Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Eurasia, North America, and South America. I personally like this distinction - I could never understand how you could divide Europe and Asia in the middle of a landmass. It seems to be more of a political or cultural division rather than a geographic one.
I have even gone through a major discussion in college that it could be argued that there are only four continents. Since North and South America are naturally connected (prior to the Panama Canal), it could be considered as one continent (the double continent). Europe, Asia and Africa are naturally connected (prior to the Suez Canal), so it could be considered as one continent (the triple continent). Add Australia and Antarctica, and you have a total of four.
If the "continents" have the same name, "America", shouldn't they really be considered the same continent? BTW, how about Central America? Don't you consider the existence of Central America? So, there are actually 3 Americas, and not 2! It's obvious that this division was created out of prejudice. I'm Brazilian, and in Brazil we consider America as only one continent.
Reply to this
If a continent is a large mass of land, then America is one continent. On the other hand this mass of land was named after Americus Vespuci for his many trips to this continent. I see this more like a cultural confusion than a geographical one the US always wants to be unique and different from the rest, but either they like it or not we all are americans. from Canada to Argentina.
Reply to this
It is pure co-incidence that the names have both have the word "America" South America could have been called anything. If it was called New Europe when first discovered by Europeans, with Monicas logic, it would then be obvious that it is a second continent. You need to look at the geographical aspect, not what people call it.
Reply to this
Just,here in the USA "Not America" use this.while the other countries are well taught about geography.It's a way we are trying to impose what we think it is right but it's not.We only consider ourselves "AMERICANS" that's the worst of the worst of all lies. AMERICAN is who is born from CANADA to the tip of the PATAGONIA. Just 6 continents and that's it!!
Reply to this
I am agree on this point Since North and South America are naturally connected (prior to the Panama Canal), it could be considered as one continent (the double continent)
Reply to this
Yes, there is no standard definition for the number of continents. You perhaps can't count them. I see this more like a cultural confusion than a geographical one the US always wants to be unique and different from the rest, but either they like it or not we all are Americans from Canada to Argentina. Thanks for all your help.
Reply to this
Although this was posted quite awhile ago, I simply had to respond as I am somewhat of a "geography nut". I am able to sit for hours and look at maps, even of states in which I've lived and traveled extensively. I really enjoyed your "overview" as to the many different "concepts" as to how the number of continents could be determined. I especially liked the telling of your disagreement with the European who could easily envision that Europe and Asia were two separate continents but could not envision that North America and South America are two separate continents. At least "we" dug a big ditch between North America and South America as a line of "demarcation"!
Seriously, I like this post as such posts makes one actually have to “think”. Hopefully, this will provide the "younger generation" and others with the concept that sometimes the issues are not "black and white" and "we" must chose the best shade of gray! Thanks!
Reply to this
Since the number of continents has been defined by convention, it would be helpful to find out when and where this convention was agreed upon and who were the people participating in it. As far as I know it was in the 50s (at the end of WWII), in the USA and there were mainly "american" geographers.
Clearly a biased convention made with the intention of establishing yet one more evidence of the "superiority and uniqueness" of the USA. An attempt based on prejudice and intended to differentiate the USA from the poorer countries in the continent.
Reply to this