Each implies the word "America" different. Someone will say that this is a country. Another will answer - a part of the world. And the third will be called the continent. So what is it? Continent or mainland. Let's figure it out.
Continents and continents
Continents and continents are geographic concepts. Someone believes that this is the same thing, while others talk about differences. Hence the confusion and a different number of objects. What is the mainland and where did this concept come from?
The mainland is a colossal part of the land, washed from all sides by the oceans. In addition, it is argued that the main part of the continent is located above the surface of the oceans and has underwater continuation. The same description applies to continents. The only difference is that the continental part is not separated by the ocean, and the mainland can be divided using artificially created channels.
Here is such an interesting review. The conclusion follows on its own. America is both the mainland and the continent, divided into two (North and South) using the Panama Canal. And now we will take apart two continents separately.
North America
North America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere. I must say that both Americas have one lithospheric plate, from which the continents are formed. North America is the third largest continent on Earth, besides the northern one. It is washed on three sides by oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic.
On both sides of the continent are majestic mountains. In the west there are powerful Cordillera with the highest mountain located in Alaska: the height of the peak is more than 6000 meters. From the east, it is bordered by lower, but no less picturesque Appalachian mountains. And the central part of the continent is cut by the magnificent and powerful rivers of the Mississippi, Missouri and Rio Grande. Huge freshwater lakes and the magnificent Niagara Falls, famous all over the world, and many geysers are located here. It is located on the border of two states of the USA and Canada.
South America
South America is located in the Western and Southern Hemispheres of the Earth. It is also the fourth largest continent on the planet. It is washed only by two oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic, and through the Panama Isthmus is connected to the Northern part. In the south, the continent is washed by the Drake Channel.
South America is a continent unique in nature and landscape. At the eastern end stretch magnificent Andes, formed as a result of volcanic activity on the fault of tectonic plates. In this part, there are still many active volcanoes. In the east, a flat area dominates, which is replete with majestic tropical forests and vast deserts. Here are the basins of the largest rivers in the world: the Amazon, Orinoco and Parana. In the valley of the Amazon River in ancient times, the Maya Indians lived , whose civilizations are still legendary.
Discovery of America
As everyone in history knows, the discoverer of America was Christopher Columbus. This event happened in 1492 due to the fact that the Spanish kings needed a shorter way to India. That is why South America has long been called the West Indies. Columbus landed for the first time in the Bahamas and only 10 years later in his 4 voyage reached the Caribbean Sea and northern South America.
The British discovered North America in 1498, when a guided expedition under the command of Cabot reached the east coast of America and went almost to Florida. Unfortunately, these studies and discoveries did not bring any good to the locals. The connection between America and Europe turned out to be a huge tragedy for both one and the other. Everyone knows the conquest wars and the destruction of the Indians for the sake of better lands.
Nature of the continent
Due to their location, both Americas have unique natural resources. Remoteness from other continents contributed to the formation of flora and fauna different from the rest of the world. In addition, the mainland lies in different climatic zones.
The nature of North America is a colossal transition from a cold Arctic to a tropical climate in the south. Accordingly, the vegetation is represented by all kinds of northern trees: cedars, cypresses, and in the central part of the mainland you can find unique giant sequoias.
South America has a warmer climate. There are many tropical rainforests, fertile soils and unique crops. After all, it was from America all over the world that tomatoes, potatoes, corn and beans, known to everyone, spread.
America today
The states of America count today 50 separate countries, about 1 billion people live there. In connection with the resettlement from Europe, the peoples of America are very diverse today. In North America, for the most part, there are English, French, slaves brought from Africa, and indigenous Indians on the prairies. In South America, the Portuguese and Spaniards had a greater influence, who expanded their colonies until the 20th century.
In their development, states are also not homogeneous. USA and Canada have a high level of development. Former British colonies adopted the capitalist system, which led to economic growth. And the rest of it is considered Latin America. For the most part, it took a different path, and today it is mainly an agrarian state.
The value of America
What is the essence of America today? This is a part of the world with its own characteristics, both politically and economically. Nature and geography are very different from the rest of the world we know.
It’s not a secret to anyone that big America occupies an important place in the international arena. The USA and Canada are the most developed countries on the whole continent. They are mostly financial support for the rest of Latin America. It is also a supplier of oil, agricultural products and the latest technology to the world. An advanced tourist destination is America. Photos of attractions only confirms this. This part of the world is visited annually by millions of people.