Identify Continents and Oceans

Earth's surface is divided into large areas of land and large areas of water. The major landmasses are called continents, and the major bodies of water are called oceans. There are seven continents and five oceans.

The seven continents

• Asia — the largest continent; home to more than half of the world's people.
• Africa — the second largest; has the longest river (the Nile) and the world's largest desert (the Sahara).
• North America — includes the USA, Canada, and Mexico; home to the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.
• South America — home to the Amazon River and Amazon Rainforest.
• Antarctica — the southernmost continent; covered almost entirely by ice.
• Europe — the smallest continent after Australia; home to many historic countries and cultures.
• Australia — the smallest continent; also a single country; has unique wildlife such as kangaroos.

The five oceans

• Pacific Ocean — the largest and deepest ocean; covers more area than all land combined.
• Atlantic Ocean — separates the Americas from Europe and Africa.
• Indian Ocean — the warmest ocean; lies south of Asia.
• Arctic Ocean — the smallest and shallowest; surrounds the North Pole.
• Southern Ocean — surrounds Antarctica; the newest ocean to be officially named.