Seven Continents Of The World: Check the List Here!

7 continents of the world: The Earth consists of 71% and 29% of landmasses. These land masses are further divided into continents. The complicated geological process of plate tectonics led to the formation of continents. 

It starts when the Earth's surface-level lithospheric plates move and interact. When these plates contact and exert enormous pressure, the Earth's crust can bend and fold, resulting in the formation of continents. 

Over millions of years, this process elevated and formed substantial landmasses, which eventually gave rise to continents. There are 7 continents in the world: Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and Antarctica.

List of Countries and Currencies of the World (Updated 2026)

Let us take a look at the seven continents and the number of countries in each.

1. Asia

It is the largest continent in the world, both in area and population. It comprises 50 nations and more than 60% of the world's population. 

Spanning over an area of 44,579,000 sq. km., the continent borders the Pacific Ocean in the east, the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Indian Ocean in the south, and Europe to the west. The Ural Mountains separate it from Europe, and the Sinai Peninsula & Red Sea separate it from Africa.

The continent houses the world's highest mountain ranges and the two most populous countries, among other superlatives. 

How Many Countries Are There in Asia? Check Here

2. Africa

It is the second-largest continent in the world, after Asia, in both area and population. It comprises 54 countries and over 16% of the world's population. 

The continent covers an area of 30,370,000 sq. km. and is bounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the east by the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, and on the south by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

All three latitudes, the Equator, the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn, pass through Africa. 

How many countries are there in Africa? Check Complete List Here!

3. North America

It is the third-largest continent in the world by area and the fourth-largest by population. It comprises 23 nations and is entirely located in the northern hemisphere. 

The continent extends over 24,709,000 sq. km.  and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, and South America to the south.

A very narrow strip, the Isthmus of Panama, connects it with South America, and the Bering Strait separates it from Asia.

List of Countries in North America: Interesting Facts, Population, Area

4. South America

It is the fourth-largest continent area-wise and the fifth most populous in the world. It consists of 12 nations and mostly lies in the Southern Hemisphere, while a small portion of the continent lies in the Western Hemisphere. 

Spread over an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers, the continent is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Southern Ocean in the south, and North America in the north. The continent is home to the Amazon Rainforest, the lungs of Earth.

List of South American Countries: Interesting Facts, Population, Area

5. Antarctica

It is the fifth-largest continent on Earth, with no countries or permanent human habitation. However, the continent has permanent human settlements where scientists and support staff live on a rotational basis. Spanning over an area of 14,200,000 sq. km., the continent is completely surrounded by the Southern Ocean. 

6. Europe

It is the sixth-largest continent in the world and the third most populous in the world. Europe and Asia are sometimes called Eurasia as they are physically connected, but are considered separate continents due to linguistic and cultural differences. Europe comprises 51 countries. 

The continent is bordered by the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Caspian Sea in the southeast, and the Mediterranean and Black Seas in the south. The Ural and Caucasus Mountains are the eastern boundary of Europe.

List of Countries in Europe: Interesting Facts, Population, Area

7. Australia

Australia is the smallest continent in the world and is the flattest and second driest after Antarctica. It is also the second least populated after Antarctica. It comprises 14 countries. 

Spread over 8,525,989 sq. km., the region is also described as Oceania to differentiate it from a country by the same name. The place is a living laboratory. This is because when the continent started breaking away from Antarctica around 60 million years ago, it carried animals that developed into creatures unique to the region. 

Interesting Facts About The Seven Continents of the World

• Asia is the birthplace of many major religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

• Africa is often called the "Cradle of Humankind" because it is believed to be the birthplace of modern humans.

• It is home to the world's third-largest river, the Mississippi-Missouri River System.

• Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

• Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth.

• The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, designates Antarctica as a place for peaceful scientific cooperation and bans military activity.

• Europe has a dense railway network and is known for its efficient public transportation.

• Australia is home to the world's largest monolith, Uluru (Ayers Rock).

What is the 8th Continent?

Zealandia or Te Riu-a-Māui is the 8th continent, which was officially recognised by geologists in 2017. It is a submerged landmass in the South Pacific; only 6% of the continent is above water, while the remaining 94% is underwater. It consists of New Zealand and neighbouring islands. Know more about Zealandia below.

Zealandia, Earth’s 8th continent: All You Need To Know

Explained: How did the earliest continents on Earth come into existence?