North America

North America is the third largest continent. It stretches from the frozen Arctic in the north to the tropical beaches of the Caribbean in the south. North America includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands.

Land and People

About 580 million people live in North America. The continent has the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, and long coastlines on three oceans. The Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls are among its many natural wonders.

Map showing the land and people of North America.
Map showing the land and people of North America. (Janwillemvanaalst / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

North America is home to diverse cultures from indigenous peoples to immigrants from around the world. English, Spanish, and French are the main languages. Sports like baseball, basketball, and soccer are hugely popular. The continent produces much of the world's food.

Fun Facts

  • The Great Lakes in North America hold about 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water.
  • The Grand Canyon is over a mile deep and about 277 miles long.
  • North America has every type of climate, from Arctic to tropical.

Did You Know?

North America is home to the Great Lakes, the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. Together, they hold about 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water. Lake Superior is the largest of the five and is so big it has its own weather patterns.