How many continents are there?
A continent is one of several large landmasses. Generally identified by convention rather than any strict criteria, up to seven geographical regions are commonly regarded as continents. Ordered from largest in area to smallest, these seven regions are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
In geology, a continent is defined as "one of Earth's major landmasses, including both dry land and continental shelves".
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
40 Comments
Jose Fdo. Serrano
When young, I was thought there were 5 continents, Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and America (north, central and south America as one). I guess either geography has evolved or I am too old!
Elaine Curran
Marianne Frederick Halterman, yes. It is specified in the answer
Elsy O. Stromberg
Marianne Frederick Halterman, Yes- that's why it's listed!
Richard D. Boyle
Long ago, Australia was forced to choose whether they wished to be considered the world's smallest continent or the world’s largest island. They elected continent. Ever since, Greenland has been considered the world’s largest island. The continent does not include New Zealand.
Julie Allen
jfserrano, The continents listed are the ones I was taught over 60 years ago.
hweishaupt
I answered 5 because there are 5 rings in the Olympic symbol. It's what I always thought.
Mary Clinton
I goofed! I said 5 because of the Olympic Rings-only 5! Oh well!
konrad
When did they start counting North and South America as TWO continents? When they dug the Panama Canal? Before counting Antarctica there always were 5 continents, that's why the Olympic emblem has five rings. Before overstupid "political correction" reared its ugly head, the five rings were one for each continent: Red for Europe, Black for Africa, Blue for Oceania, Yellow for Asia and Green for America, Only ONE America, from Canada to Tierra del Fuego.
Ron Gosling
Pat Salloum, Oceania is part of Asia.
Ron Gosling
Robert , why north and south America are joined same difference.
Ron Gosling
jfserrano, always been 7. And I'm 70.
Ron Gosling
LevibatteryCSA (Dave), no land at north pole. Only ice.
LevibatteryCSA (Dave)
I thought there is a North Pole there were early Explorer's they even landed a plane on the ice and submarine how break through the ice.
Robert
It’s ridiculous to call Europe a continent. It doesn’t meet the requirements
Susan Lake-Harris
Pat Salloum, no such thing as Indonesian New Guinea in the eyes of those native-born to the area - that part was invaded and most residents want their independence returned. It was appalling that Australia didn't do the right thing and support the New Guineans.
Alfredo Rivas Lairet
America: north, central and south America as one
Karin Johansson
Sheila Robinson, yes it is very big!
Lisa Rodrigues
jfserrano, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe and Australia/Oceania
Pat Salloum
Depending on who you ask, Oceania may be considered a continent simply because it better describes the region which includes (among others) Papua New Guinea, Indonesian New Guinea, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.
Johnny Rock
I'm glad to see that nothing has changed with regard to the continents. Several of the comments below are disclaiming their existence.