North America is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is present in the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. Before Columbus discovered it, North America was unknown to Europe and the rest of the world.
This pristine land was inhabited by indigenous tribes for thousands of years. Then in the 16th century, it was colonized by the European countries (primarily Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands).
Later in the 18th century, it became free of colonization and is now one of the developed parts of the world.
Northern Lights in Yellowknife, Canada
Note: North American continental mass also contains Central America, a narrow piece of land that connects the two Americas. The Caribbean islands are also part of North America.
Geographical Beauty
Icebergs tourism in Greenland
On the extreme north-east is Greenland. Followed by it, is Canada. The United States of America is in the central part of North America. South of the US lies Mexico.
The southernmost part of the continent holds Central America. And, the Caribbean Islands are scattered on the southern portion of the Atlantic Ocean.
An Inuit tent in the Arctic
From freezing temperatures in the Arctic Tundra of Northern Canada and Alaska to the dense, tropical rain forests in Central America to the beautiful white sand beaches of the Caribbean islands, you have everything here.
Today, North America is made up of 23 independent countries. Let’s take a look at the list below.
Countries of the North Americas
The Island Country of Bahamas
There are 23 countries that make the North American continent. Below is the alphabetical list of countries (including both the Caribbean and Central America):
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States of America
Note: Click on any of these Hyperlinked Destinations to read that specific Travel Guide.
Dependent Territories of North America
Cemetery by the sea of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Listed in alphabetical order:
- Anguilla (UK)
- Aruba (Netherlands)
- Bermuda (UK)
- Bonaire (Netherlands)
- British Virgin Islands (UK)
- Cayman Islands (UK)
- Clipperton Island (France)
- Curacao (Netherlands)
- Greenland (Denmark)
- Guadeloupe (France)
- Martinique (France)
- Montserrat (UK)
- Navassa Island (USA)
- Puerto Rico (USA)
- Saba (Netherlands)
- Saint Barthelemy (France)
- Saint Martin (France)
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
- Sint Eustatius (Netherlands)
- Sint Maarten (Netherlands)
- Turks and Caicos (UK)
- US Virgin Islands (USA)
People of North America
A First Nation Cree Native Indian
Over half a billion residents live in this region, with over 60% of the population in its three most populous countries, the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Top Cities
The cities here are hi-tech and smart. Some of the famous big cities are:
Top Natural Wonders
Natural wonders (to name a few) which will surely grab your attention are:
- Niagara Falls
- Grand Canyon
- Yellowstone National Park
- Banff National Park
Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA
A full package of fun awaits you when you step into these culturally diverse continents. Enjoy the beaches, metropolitan cities, neoclassic architecture, and warm hosts.
Currency
US dollars are accepted in most parts of the continent. But in Canada, you’ll need to exchange the currency to Canadian dollars.
Most credit cards are accepted throughout North America.
Language
The English language is the lingua franca in this continent. But in places like the Caribbean and Mexico, you need to step your game up with Spanish.
French is also used in some parts of the continent.
Basic knowledge of French and Spanish with full command over English will help you communicate with the natives.
Food
Burgers are a popular fast-food option
North American cuisines are a blend of cultures. Different groups of people have come together on this continent. Due to which you will find varied forms of traditional cuisines.
Getting Around
Airway connectivity is extensive. Traveling between countries is affordable.
Most travelers prefer riding their cars across the borders. It saves a lot of time (compared to the bus) and is adequate.
Read Next
- Americas Travel Guide
- US National Parks
- Top 100 Places People Most Want to Travel
- World’s Largest Cities
- World’s Largest Megacities
- Famous Archaeological Sites
- US World Heritage Sites
August 23, 2016 12:00 am 1 Comment
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