Geography

North America is a continent located in the northern and western hemispheres, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Pacific Ocean to the west, and Arctic Ocean to the north. It covers an area of 24.71 million square kilometers, making it the third largest continent in the world after Asia and Africa. North America is home to 23 countries and over 570 million people. The geography of North America is extremely diverse, ranging from tundra landscapes in the north to tropical rainforests in Central America. The Rocky Mountains stretch from Alaska through Canada and into the United States, while large plains dominate much of the central part of North America. The Great Lakes form a large border between Canada and the United States, while further south lies Mexico’s rugged mountain range known as Sierra Madre Occidental. The Caribbean Sea is also located off North America’s eastern coast. The climate in North America varies greatly depending on location and elevation; however overall it can be described as temperate continental with cold winters and warm summers. In terms of biodiversity, North America is home to over 500 mammal species including grizzly bears, bison, moose, wolves, wolverines, lynx, beavers and cougars. There are also numerous bird species including bald eagles, ospreys and hummingbirds. Reptiles such as lizards are found throughout North America while turtles inhabit many rivers and lakes in both Canada and Mexico. In terms of human history there have been numerous civilizations that have flourished across this continent for millennia; most notably those belonging to Native Americans who populated much of what is now known as Canada and United States prior to colonization by European powers beginning in 15th century CE onwards. Today there are many different ethnic groups living across this continent with their own unique cultures that have developed over time due to various influences from around world such as Spanish or French language or cultural practices from African or Asian origins among others. Overall North America is a vibrant continent with a rich cultural heritage that has been shaped by its diverse geography combined with its long human history stretching back thousands of years ago when first peoples began settling this landmass we now call home today!