The Tropics

The Tropics are the area of the Earth near the Equator. This region lies between two imaginary lines called the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropics get the most sunlight of anywhere on Earth. That is why this area is warm all year round.

The Two Tropic Lines

The Tropic of Cancer is north of the Equator. The Tropic of Capricorn is south of the Equator. The sun shines directly overhead between these two lines during the year. The area between them is called the tropical zone.

Tropical Weather and Life

Tropical areas are warm and often very rainy. Many tropical places have thick rainforests. Others have grasslands called savannas. Tropical oceans have coral reefs and colorful fish. Many fruits like bananas, mangoes, and pineapples grow in the Tropics.

Fun Facts

• About 40 percent of the world's people live in the Tropics.
• The Tropics are home to more kinds of plants and animals than anywhere else.
• The Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn are about 23.5 degrees from the Equator.

Did You Know?

The Tropics cover only about 36 percent of Earth's land, but they have more than half of all the different kinds of animals on the planet!