The Odd Seven Continents Theory
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Science.
The Curious Case of the Seven Continents
Summary:
From space, Earth seems to have just four or five major landmasses. Yet, we persist in believing that there are seven continents.
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Keywords:
Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Russia, continents, seven, Arctic, Antarctica
Article Body:
When viewed from space, Earth appears to consist of just four or five major landmasses, depending on your perspective. Still, the belief in seven distinct continents persists in our educational systems.
Traditionally, we are taught about seven continents. However, a glance at a globe challenges this notion. A particularly puzzling example is Europe, which has no clear geographical boundary separating it from Russia.
Interestingly, the Arctic is not classified as a continent. Instead, it is divided between North America and Asia, as Russia is considered part of Asia in the seven-continent model. Here’s a breakdown of the recognized seven continents alphabetically:
Africa is undeniably a continent, comprising over 11.7 million square miles. It accounts for 5.9% of the Earth's total surface and is the second most populous continent with over 840 million people.
Antarctica, although barren, is also a continent. Covered 98% by ice, it is unique in not being a country nor claimed by any nation.
Asia stands out due to its sheer size and population, which is over 60% of the world’s total. However, these figures can be misleading as Russia, the Middle East, and parts of Egypt are included in Asia under the seven-continent model.
Often dubbed the forgotten continent, Australia is undoubtedly a continent, despite being once mistaken for an island. It covers over 4 million square miles and is the smallest continent by landmass, yet houses a vibrant population of over 20 million.
Europe is recognized as a continent largely due to historical and political reasons, rather than geographic ones. Covering 4 million square miles, it is densely populated with 705 million people, making up 11% of the global population.
North America extends into the Arctic and includes much of Central America, covering 9.45 million square miles. It has an estimated population of 514 million.
Finally, South America spans 6.9 million square miles, accounting for 3.5% of the Earth's surface. With 371 million residents, it ranks as the fifth most populous continent.
The true confusion in the seven-continent model often lies with Europe. If European countries hadn't been historically dominant, would we really consider it a separate continent? Unlikely!
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The Odd Seven Continents Theory.
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