The Equator is the imaginary line of reference that divides the Earth into two equal halves. Since the Earth tilts on its axis, the reference line that marks the furthest point north of the Equator, where the Sun is positioned directly above at local noon, is referred to as the Tropic of Cancer.

Since the Earth revolves around the Sun, this occurs at the summer solstice on or near 21st June. During this period, the solar insolation is at its peak and areas on or near the Tropic of Cancer remain very warm since it receives the maximum solar energy. Consequently, the areas above the Arctic latitude feature 24 hours of daylight.

During the same period, the reverse is applicable in the southern hemisphere. The areas below the Antarctic circle are engulfed in darkness for 24 hours.

The exact position of the Tropic of Cancer on the map is located at 23.5 degrees north latitude. The location of the Tropic of Cancer remains flexible. It shifts southwards at an approximate rate of half an arcsecond (an angular measurement) of latitude per year. The current position is at 23°26’14”.

The region that lies between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer in the north and Tropic of Capricorn in the south is commonly referred to as “The Tropics”.

The Tropic of Cancer passes through the following Countries:

Algeria

Niger

Libya

Egypt

Saudi Arabia

UAE (Abu Dhabi)

Oman

India

Bangladesh

Myanmar

China

Taiwan

Mexico

Bahamas

Western Sahara

Mauritania

Mali

More Info: www.mapsofworld.com