The smallest continent on earth is, of course, Australia. The smallest continent The smallest continent on earth is called

The largest continent is Eurasia. Its area is 54,759,000 km² - this is approximately 36% of the land. On it are located as many as 2 parts of the world - Europe and Asia. There are 4 of them, including the largest - Russia, which occupies 30% of the territory of Eurasia. 75% of the world's population lives in Eurasia in 102 states. Here is located - Chomolungma (Everest)

Eurasia is the largest continent on planet Earth

Part of the world - regions of land, including the continents or large parts of them, along with nearby islands.

The second largest continent is Africa. Its area is 30,221,532 km² - this is approximately 20% of the land. There are 55 states on the territory of Africa, the largest of which, and one of the 10 largest, is Algeria. Africa has the largest number.

Africa is the second largest continent

The third largest continent is North America. Area - 24,250,000 km² (16% land). There are 23 states on the territory of North America, in which a little more than half a billion people live. 2 North American countries (Canada and USA) are in the top 10.

North America is the third largest continent

The fourth largest continent is South America. Area - 17,840,000 km² (slightly less than 12% of the land area). There are 12 countries on the territory of South America, in which almost 400 million people live. 2 countries in South America (Argentina and Brazil) are in the top ten.

South America is the fourth largest continent

Antarctica is the continent with the highest proportion of Russian citizens - from 4% in summer to 10% in winter, in Eurasia only - 3%

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent

The sixth and last largest continent is Australia. Area - 7,659,861 km² (5% of the land area). There is only one state on the mainland - Australia, whose population is only 23 million people.

Mainland Australia is so small that its area is even smaller than some countries in the world. Its territory is only 7.63 million square kilometers. The smallest mainland is located in and is crossed by the southern tropic. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Pacific and Due to its small size, Australia is sometimes also called the mainland-island.

The continent is not connected by land with any of the other continents, it is located completely apart. The rest of the world's continents are at a considerable distance from Australia. This contributed to the formation of a peculiar flora and fauna, in many respects different from others.

Uniqueness of Australia

The plant world is also unique: 90% of the continent's plants are endemic, found only here. The symbol of the Australian flora is the eucalyptus - the tallest tree on the planet, reaching the height of a fifty-story building.

The smallest continent is also the driest on the planet. Most of it is located in the tropical climate zone, as a result of which almost the entire central part of the continent is occupied by huge deserts. Australia is also called the lowest continent. 215 meters - the average absolute height, and the highest point has a height of only 2230 meters.

Past and present name

"Unknown Land" - that's what they called Australia on old maps. Even today it remains for most people a mysterious land and a country full of surprises. The name of the continents is most often associated with their geographical position, the same applies to Australia: in Latin "australis" means "southern". And this name appeared relatively recently, only at the beginning of the 19th century. And before that, its individual parts were called by the names that the discoverers gave them. The modern name was finally fixed after sailing around the continent by the Englishman Flinders.

The smallest continent of our planet is also famous for the fact that its territory is completely occupied by one country - the Commonwealth of Australia. The largest city in the country is Sydney, known throughout the world for its opera house, the real eighth wonder of the world. Another unusual masterpiece is the Harbor Bridge - a bridge across the beautiful Port Jackson Bay, which has an arch half a kilometer long.

A continent is a large landmass surrounded by seas and oceans. In tectonics, continents are characterized as sections of the lithosphere with a continental structure.

Mainland, continent or part of the world? What is the difference?

In geography, another term is often used, denoting the mainland - the continent. But the concepts of "mainland" and "continent" are not synonymous. Different countries have adopted different points of view on the number of continents, called continental models.

There are several such models:

• In China, India, as well as in the English-speaking countries of Europe, it is generally accepted that they consider 7 continents - Europe and Asia separately;
• In Spanish-speaking European countries, as well as in the countries of South America, they mean the division into 6 parts of the world - with a united America;
• in Greece and some countries of Eastern Europe, a model with 5 continents is adopted - only those where people live, i.e. except for Antarctica;
• in Russia and the countries of Eurasia adjacent to it, they traditionally designate 4 - continents united into large groups.

(The figure clearly shows different representations of continental models on Earth, from 7 to 4)

Continents

There are 6 continents in total on Earth. We list them in descending order by area size:

1. - the largest continent on our planet (54.6 million sq. km)
2. (30.3 million sq. km)
3. (24.4 million sq. km)
4. (17.8 million sq. km)
5. (14.1 million sq. km)
6. (7.7 million sq. km)

All of them are separated by the waters of the seas and oceans. Four continents have a land border: Eurasia and Africa are separated by the Isthmus of Suez, North and South America - the Isthmus of Panama.

Continents

The difference is that the continents do not have a land border. Therefore, in this case, we can talk about 4 continents ( one of the continental models of the world), also in descending order by size:

1. AfroEurasia
2. America

Parts of the world

The terms "mainland" and "continent" have a scientific meaning, but the term "part of the world" divides the land on a historical and cultural basis. There are 6 parts of the world, only unlike the continents, Eurasia differs by Europe And Asia, but North and South America are defined together as one part of the world America:

1. Europe
2. Asia
3. America(both North and South), or New World
4. Australia and Oceania

Speaking of parts of the world, they mean the islands adjacent to them.

The difference between the mainland and the island

The definition of the mainland and the island is the same - a part of the land washed by the waters of the ocean or seas. But there are significant differences.

1. Size. Even the smallest continent, Australia, is much larger in area than the world's largest island, Greenland.

(Formation of the Earth's continents, a single continent of Pangea)

2. Education. All continents have a tiled origin. According to scientists, there was once a single continent - Pangea. Then, as a result of the split, 2 continents appeared - Gondwana and Laurasia, which later split into 6 more parts. The theory is confirmed both by geological surveys and by the shape of the continents. Many of them can be put together like a puzzle.

Islands are formed in many ways. There are those that, like the continents, are located on the fragments of the most ancient lithospheric plates. Others are formed from volcanic lava. Still others - as a result of the activity of polyps (coral islands).

3. Habitability. All continents are inhabited, even Antarctica, which is harsh in terms of climatic conditions. Many islands are still uninhabited.

Characteristics of the continents

- the largest continent, occupying 1/3 of the land. Two parts of the world are located here at once: Europe and Asia. The border between them runs along the line of the Ural Mountains, the Black and Azov Seas, as well as the straits connecting the Black and Mediterranean Seas.

This is the only continent that is washed by all the oceans. The coastline is indented, it forms a large number of bays, peninsulas, islands. The mainland itself is located immediately on six tectonic platforms, and therefore the relief of Eurasia is incredibly diverse.

Here are the most extensive plains, the highest mountains (the Himalayas with Mount Everest), the deepest lake (Baikal). This is the only continent where all climatic zones (and, accordingly, all natural zones) are represented at once - from the arctic with its permafrost to the equatorial with its sultry deserts and jungles.

¾ of the world's population lives on the mainland, 108 states are located here, of which 94 have the status of independent.

- the hottest continent on Earth. It is located on an ancient platform, so most of the area is occupied by plains, mountains are formed along the edges of the mainland. Africa is home to the longest river in the world, the Nile, and the largest desert, the Sahara. Climate types presented on the mainland: equatorial, subequatorial, tropical and subtropical.

Africa is usually divided into five regions: North, South, West, East and Central. There are 62 countries on the mainland.

It is washed by the waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. The result of the movement of tectonic plates was a heavily indented coastline of the mainland, with a huge number of bays, straits, bays and islands. The largest island is in the north (Greenland).

The Cordillera Mountains stretch along the western coast, and the Appalachians along the eastern coast. The central part is occupied by a vast plain.

All climatic zones are represented here, except for the equatorial one, which determines the diversity of natural zones. Most rivers and lakes are located in the northern part. The largest river is the Mississippi.

The indigenous people are Indians and Eskimos. Currently, 23 states are located here, of which only three (Canada, the United States and Mexico) are on the mainland itself, the rest are on the islands.

It is washed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Along the west coast stretches the world's longest mountain system - the Andes, or South American Cordillera. The rest of the mainland is occupied by plateaus, plains and lowlands.

This is the rainiest continent, since most of it is located in the equator zone. Here is the largest and most abundant river in the world - the Amazon.

The indigenous people are the Indians. Currently, there are 12 independent states on the territory of the mainland.

- the only continent on the territory of which there is only 1 state - the Commonwealth of Australia. Most of the mainland is occupied by plains, mountains are located only along the coast.

Australia is a unique continent with the largest number of endemic animals and plants. The indigenous people are Australian Aborigines, or Bushmen.

- the southernmost continent, completely covered with ice. The average thickness of the ice cover is 1600 m, the largest is 4000 m. If the ice in Antarctica melted, the level of the world's oceans would immediately rise by 60 meters!

Most of the mainland is occupied by an icy desert, life is glimmering only on the coasts. Antarctica is also the coldest continent. In winter, temperatures can drop below -80 ºC (record -89.2 ºC), in summer - up to -20 ºC.

There are only six continents on earth and the smallest of them is Australia. Australia is very different in its climate, economy, inhabitants of other continents. It is also the most peaceful territory on Earth (the First and Second World Wars practically did not touch it).

Australian characteristics

• The area of ​​the continent is 7,692,024 square kilometers.
• Population 24,067,700.
• The inhabitants are Australians, the official languages ​​are Australian and English.
• Currency - Australian dollar.
• The amount of GDP is just over a trillion dollars.

History of Australia

Europeans first arrived in Australia in 1606. Until this year, little was known about this continent, except that the natives ruled here and people were valued as goods. Until about the end of the 18th century, the Dutch explored Australia repeatedly. every traveler and navigator contributed to the creation of a map of Australia. In 1788, a colony was founded here, ruled by the British. Gradually, the continent was inhabited by the British, and in 1828 Great Britain declared Australia its territory and began to manage it.

On January 1, 1901, the continent became independent and called itself the Commonwealth of Australia until today. Throughout the twentieth century, the capital of Australia changed periodically, and today it has become Canberra.

Climate and resources of Australia

More than half of the mainland is desert. This is due to low pressure and ocean waters that prevent precipitation.

Australia ranks among the top three countries in the world for the extraction of bauxite, zirconium and uranium. Interestingly, a third of the world's uranium is in Australia. Mineral resources are the continent's main source of income. More than half of the population works in the extraction of minerals and in factories for their processing.

But the water reserves in Australia are not particularly pleasing to their inhabitants. Fresh water is in short supply, so the authorities have been forced to issue several laws regarding water consumption.

In this article, we will consider the largest and smallest continent of our planet, and also compare their height above sea level.

Our earth is divided into two main spaces. This is the world's oceans or water space and land. Water occupies more than 70% of the area or 361.06 million km 2. The continents got only 29.3% of the total area or 142.02 million km2. The land is divided into parts, which are limited by the seas and oceans from each other.

That is, these are our continents and continents. Each of them has its own size, shape and height above sea level. Therefore, in today's topic, we will expand our knowledge and talk about the smallest and largest continents, as well as the lowest and highest continents.

What is the largest and smallest continent of the planet, the lowest and highest continent of the Earth: a brief description

First, let's remember what a mainland is. Simply put, this is a huge piece of land that is washed by the seas and oceans from all sides. Despite the fact that there is much more water on our planet, large and small continents stand out. There are 6 continents in total. And do not confuse them with parts of the world, of which there are eight. Although Oceania is often connected to Australia, this is not about that now. We will list all the continents for you from largest to smallest continent to learn important and interesting aspects about them.

Eurasia is a huge continent

• It is he who takes the lead in the title of "the largest continent." The area of ​​the giant is 54.757 million km 2, which is as much as 36% of the entire land mass of the planet. The mainland serves as a home for 5.132 billion people, and this, by the way, is 70% of all inhabitants of our planet.
• The mainland is conditionally divided into two parts of the world: Asia and Europe. The figurative boundary of these segments is considered to be the eastern slopes of the high Ural Mountains. Also, the mainland is the only one that is washed by all four oceans at once.
• Eurasia boasts a variety of landscapes. The highest mountains of the Himalayas and the largest plains can be found on its territory.
  • She also owns the championship among the highest mountains in the world - this is the famous Mount Chomolungma, which has no equal.
  • Complementing the list of eye-catching features and other natural celebrities. For example, Lake Baikal is the deepest in the world, the Caspian Sea is the largest and largest sea, as well as the unique and largest mountain system - Tibet.
  • On the mainland there is an influence of all climatic and natural zones, from which the flora and fauna are insanely diverse and rich. The geopolitical map has 102 independent states on this continent.
• But since in parallel we also consider the continents in terms of height above sea level, Eurasia did not reach the championship. But it is firmly in second place. The height of the continent, which has average readings, is 840 m.

The largest continent is Eurasia

Africa ranks second in size.

• Its total area, together with the adjacent islands, is 30.3 million km 2. And this is as much as 20.4% of the entire dry surface of the earth. Africa is a hot continent that is washed by the Indian and Atlantic oceans, as well as one of the cleanest seas: the Red and Mediterranean.
• This continent is home to 1 billion people. The geopolitical map includes 55 independent states. This continent crosses the equator and has several different climate zones.
• This mainland also has outstanding places. Of course, we will talk about the hot, dry and largest desert in the world - the Sahara. Mount Kilimanjaro is considered a stratovolcano, which indicates its power. However, at the moment he is in a sleeping state.
• We have already mentioned above that this continent is also the hottest continent on the planet. Therefore, it is the hottest place in the world - the settlement of Dallol in the Danakil Desert. By the way, together they are included in the list of the most dangerous places. After all, the temperature there sometimes reaches 70 ° C.
• This place is uninhabited by either people or animals. But in another area of ​​the continent, you can meet many animals that we see in the zoo or on TV. Yes, these are lions, giraffes, tigers, cheetahs, zebras and other heat-loving creatures.
• Above sea level, the continent is in fourth place, because the scale shows no more than 650 m.

Africa has the hottest non-residential settlement - Dallol

The North American continent is the third largest

• The area of ​​​​the mainland, including all the islands, is 24.365 million km 2 and this is 16% of all land. By the way, sometimes this size is compared with the territory of the former Soviet Union.
• Half a billion people or 7% of the world's population live on the mainland in 23 independent states. Interestingly, they all have their own access to the sea.
• Three different oceans wash this continent with their waters: the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The mainland borders South America, the water border is the Isthmus of Panama.
• 2 and 23 of the three countries, that is, Canada and the USA are the richest and most prosperous countries in the world, which are in the top 10 of the ranking.
• In height above sea level, the mainland rises to the third position after Eurasia. Readings reach up to 720 m.

Mainland South America occupies almost the last position

• The territory that it occupies the continent holds 17.84 million km 2. This is equal to 12% of all land. The Pacific and Atlantic oceans wash this territory. The natural boundary that divides the land of the two Americas is the Caribbean Sea.
• The geopolitical map includes 12 states, on the territory of which about 400 million people live. Conventionally, South America is divided into a mountainous western part and a flat eastern side. Most of the territory is characterized by hot, dry and tropical weather, on the flat part the temperature never drops below 20 ° C.
• The mainland is very rich in fresh water. After all, the Amazon flows through its territory, which is the largest river in the world. It is also home to the world's highest Angel Falls and the most powerful of the Iguazu Falls.
• Famous is Lake Titicana, which has the largest reserves of fresh water in the whole world. The largest countries on the mainland are Brazil and Argentina, which are even among the ten largest countries in the world.

A thin line separates Sulfuric and South America from each other

Superiority in the title of "highest continent" goes to Antarctica

• This is the land of eternal cold and snow. The mainland has an area of ​​​​9% or 14.107 million km 2, which makes it the fifth in terms of dimensions. It is also uninhabited, there is only a temporary population of about 5 thousand people. And then, these are polar scientists and personnel of research stations.
• Antarctica bears the title of the highest continent on earth - more than 2 thousand meters above sea level. Everything on the mainland is covered with ice, including the Antarctic Andes and the Transarctic peaks.
• The Bentley Basin is the world's deepest point, well below sea level. She sank to a mark of 2540 m below sea level.
• Antarctica is also the home of glaciers; 90% of the planet's ice is found here. And this is 80% of fresh water. There are locals on the mainland - these are seals and penguins.

Australia is the smallest and lowest continent on Earth

• The area of ​​the smallest inhabited continent of the planet Australia is 7,659,861 km 2. The land is surrounded on all sides by the waters of the seas and oceans. Everything is simple here: one mainland Australia is one state with the same name. And everyone's favorite kangaroos are also found here. But we will talk about this mainland in more detail.
• Also, this continent took pride of place among the lowest continents. After all, Australia rose only 215 meters above sea level.

The smallest continent on the planet: its area and role in the world

• Australia holds the title of the smallest continent. The area of ​​this piece of land is 7,659,861 km². If you look at the globe carefully, then in its east-south hemisphere a lonely mainland is noticeable, which is washed on all sides by the waters of salty oceans.
• The northern side borders the Pacific Ocean and two seas: Tasman and Coral. The southern and western side is washed by the Indian Ocean, as well as the Arafu and Timor Seas.
• Two large islands adjoin mainland Australia. New Guinea is an island with an area of ​​786 thousand km2. This tropical island is home to 660 species of different birds, as well as a mango grove and coconut palms. Tasmania is an Australian state with an area of ​​68,401 thousand km2, where rare species of animals still live. For example, the Tasmanian devil.
• Another attraction is the large Coral Reef, about 2 thousand km long, which consists of colonial formations of limestone polyps. The natural attraction is home to 1,550 species of fish and the whale shark, huge for its size.
• This is a place of pilgrimage for divers who dream of seeing the beautiful world of colorful corals and observing the life of many large and small fish.
• Australia, although surrounded by seas and oceans, is, in fact, a dry continent. Deserts occupy more than 44% of the continent itself, or 3.8 yew. km 2. The largest in terms of mercy are the Great Victoria Desert and the Great Sandy Desert. They are characterized by unusual red-sandy dry soils.

Australia is the smallest continent

• But the most unusual desert can be called the Pinnacles Desert. Literally sounds like a desert of sharp rocks. On its territory there are sharp, detached rocks, the height of which is over 5 meters.
• In total, 7 different deserts are designated on the territory of mainland Australia. There are also low mountains on this continent. One of the highest mountains of this continent is Zil, which has 1511 meters.
• The mainland is also not rich in rivers. The largest river is the Murray, 2375 km long. There are also lakes, but in summer they look more like swamps. Since they often dry up, because their main waters are rains, which rarely fall in summer.
• On mainland Australia, there is only one state with the same name. The country has a developed economy. It ranks 13th among the world's economies. Judging by the remoteness and lack of land borders with other countries, this is a fairly high figure.
• Such important spheres of life as education, health care, freedom in the economic sphere and morals are also at a high level. The most developed and largest cities are Melbourne, with a population of about 5 million people, and Sydney, with a population of over 5 million people.
• In the international arena, Australia is the Commonwealth of Australia, with a form of government in the form of a constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is considered the head of state. Nothing surprising, except for Great Britain, the Queen is the head of monarchies in 15 independent countries, including Australia.

Interesting facts about the smallest continent on the planet - the Australian continent

Although Australia bears the title of the smallest continent, it is a beautiful continent with an interesting history and colorful locals. Therefore, we offer a look at the fascinating aspects about this continent.

• 40 thousand years ago, the continent was home to local natives, more than 330 thousand of them lived. Now it is only 1.5% of the total population.
• The capital of Australia is not Sydney, as you might think, but the small city of Canberra, with a population of only 300,000.
• About 25% of the country's citizens were born outside the state of Australia.
• Australia served as a prison for criminals, they were brought here for 200 years to serve a string. The number has grown to 160 thousand individuals, but at the same time, the law is rarely violated on the territory of a modern state.
• Australians love poker and spend 20% of their spending worldwide on this game.
• The original name sounded like New South Wales.
• Australians go to the polls with pleasure, otherwise they face a rather big fine.
• Buy and sell here for their Australian dollars.
• The Australians built the longest fence on the planet, which is 5,530 km long, all to keep the sheep safe.
• Women live an average of 82 years, men - 77 years, but the indigenous aborigines do not live long. On average, 20% less than all other residents.
• By the way, 60% percent are city dwellers.
• Nicole Kidman is Australian, as are Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett.
• Australians smoke a lot, and this bad habit covers 21% of the total population.
• If you want to obtain citizenship of this country, then you need to live there for at least 2 years.

Australia is a highly developed country.

• Once there was a law that did not allow swimming on the city's beaches, and this ban lasted as much as 44 years.
• Sheep, popular on the Australian continent, took first place in the world, because their number has an indicator of over 700 thousand people.
• Australia is very dangerous, because the territory is home to a huge number of poisonous creatures, snakes and spiders.
• If you turn on the radio, you may stumble upon the Joy radio wave. It has been working for gay people since 1993.
• Fast kangaroos and cute koalas are natives of the Australian continent.
• Australians are a sports nation, football, golf and tennis are popular here.
• Australians are also a cultural nation. They spend money on museums and exhibitions, not yielding to European countries in this.

Although Australia is a distant continent, tourism is well developed here. The only scary thing is the long flight, which is indispensable, and it will take a very long time to get on the water. But it is worth seeing Australia, because there are many new and interesting things to discover.

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