2. North America The third largest continent Fourth most populated continent Countries Canada United States Mexico North America is shaped somewhat like a downward-pointing triangle, it is bordered by the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans on three sides.
3. South America The largest forest Most of the world’s forest It is connected to North America It is south of North America Brazil is the largest county The fourth largest continent It covers about 12% of the world's land area. South America has everything from tropical rain forests, to dry deserts, to rolling grasslands. There are 12 independent countries in South America.
4. Europe Europe is the sixth-largest continent. Much of Europe is covered by the Great European Plain, which has been turned into rich farmland. It occupies one-fifth of Earth's greatest landmass. Although Europe is the second-smallest continent, it has more people than any continent except Asia.
5. Asia More people live in Asia than live in all the rest of the world. Earth's highest mountains and lowest lands are both in Asia.
6. Australia Australia is the smallest and flattest continent. It is the only continent that is also a country. The first people to live in Australia were the Aborigines. Today, from Ireland and Great Britain make up most of the population. Some dunes are more than 200 miles (322 km) long! Small, dry, and flat, Australia has been worn down by 3 billion years of exposure to rain and wind.
7. Antarctica Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent. The inland plateau has the driest climate in the world. Antarctica has mountains, lowlands, and valleys beneath its covet of snow and ice. High mountain peaks make up the only visible land. The only people on the continent are scientists who work at research stations, and tourists who visit.
8. Africa Africa is the second-largest continent. It covers one-fifth of the world's land area. The world's longest river--the Nile--flows through northeastern Africa. Vast grasslands cover the areas north and south of the rain forests. Tropical rain forests extend through the central part of the continent.
